The head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Hanna Tetteh, has briefed ambassadors from 11 countries on Libya’s political landscape and economic challenges. Attending were ambassadors from Sweden, Finland, Ukraine, Argentina, Brazil, Poland, Belgium, Japan, Portugal, and the Czech Republic. UNSMIL said Tetteh updated the diplomats on progress in the UN-led political roadmap and structured dialogue tracks, emphasizing the urgent need for international support to advance the process. She also highlighted the growing economic pressures and the political and security risks of continued stagnation. The UN mission said these meetings are part of its mandate to facilitate a comprehensive Libyan-led political process and foster international consensus for stability, unity, and democratic governance.

Between 2014 and the end of 2025, more than 33,000 migrants died or went missing in the Mediterranean. (EPA Images pic)GENEVA : Hundreds of migrants may be missing at sea or feared dead following reports of multiple deadly shipwrecks in the central Mediterranean in recent days, the UN’s migration agency warned Monday. The agency was also investigating reports of nine missing boats that had departed Tunisia between January 14 and 21, with a total of around 380 people onboard, he said. ‘Another major tragedy’“In just the first weeks of 2026, hundreds of people are already feared to be missing,” the IOM statement said, warning that “the final toll may be significantly higher”. Between 2014 and the end of 2025, more than 33,000 migrants died or went missing in the Mediterranean, according to the IOM’s Missing Migrants Project.

Libya is entering a new phase of energy development, defined by renewed investor confidence, stronger international partnerships and a clear focus on moving projects from ambition to execution. This momentum was on full display at the 2026 edition of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES), where high-level engagements with the United States, France, Italy and the United Kingdom underscored growing global appetite to invest in and partner with Libya across upstream, gas and power priorities. Through a series of targeted roundtable discussions, LEES 2026 delivered a clear message to international investors: Libya is open for business. France–Libya: Project Momentum and Institutional Cooperation - The France–Libya Roundtable, sponsored by Business France, highlighted both project-level progress and deeper institutional alignment. Italy–Libya: From Hydrocarbons to Power Generation - Long-standing Italy-Libya energy ties were reinforced during the Italy-Libya Roundtable, where participants called for expanded cooperation across oil, gas and power generation.

The workshop’s title was “Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Laws Governing Electoral Processes.” This was part of the “Full Access.. Full Participation” project. Many persons with disabilities attended. It focuses on the rights of persons with disabilities. This adaptation ensures suitability for persons with disabilities. Such efforts promote the rights of persons with disabilities.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has announced that members of the National Reconciliation and Human Rights track within the Structured Dialogue began a series of in-person meetings on Sunday, set to continue for one week. According to the UNSMIL, participants will focus on identifying key human rights issues related to national reconciliation and the electoral process, with an emphasis on developing policies and implementation mechanisms to advance work in these areas. The mission added that the meetings will also propose recommendations to ensure the independence of the judiciary as this track will seek to ensure human rights are effectively mainstreamed throughout the Structured Dialogue.

The Criminal Research and Training Centre in Tripoli has concluded the fourth edition of its course on the “Basics of Forensic Medicine for Investigators”, as part of its approved training plan for the 2025–2026 academic year. The programme was attended by a group of public prosecutors working within the jurisdictions of the courts of appeal. The centre said the course forms part of an integrated training programme aimed at enhancing investigators’ professional skills, by strengthening their scientific knowledge related to criminal justice, technical evidence and expert support for judicial work. It also reviewed international models and standards related to handling forensic expertise requests, alongside field visits to the morgue, enabling participants to observe forensic work firsthand and familiarise themselves with examination and documentation procedures. The centre said such courses are part of a broader vision to support Libya’s criminal justice system, raise investigators’ professional standards and contribute to the proper administration of justice and the protection of legal safeguards.

The House of Representatives (HoR) said on Monday it has not imposed, and does not plan to impose, any taxes or fees on basic and essential goods, rejecting reports that a tax on production and consumption is being introduced. In a statement, the parliament said any other proposals remain under review by the relevant Libyan authorities, stressing that no decision would be taken unless it serves citizens’ interests, supports the national economy and protects national security. The House of Representatives also called on media outlets to verify information carefully and rely on official statements issued by the parliament.

QNATripoli: The Chairman of the Presidential Council of the State of Libya, HE Dr. Mohamed Al Menfi met with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Libya, HE Dr. Khalid Mohammed bin Zaben Al Dosari. During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries.

United Nations experts on Friday urged Malta to end the unjustified prosecution of three boys known as the “El Hiblu 3” on terrorism charges that could carry life sentences. Amara Krumak, Abdalla Bari and Kone Tiemoko Abdul Kader were among over 100 migrants rescued in March 2019 by the oil tanker El Hiblu 1 while attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya to Europe. Panic ensued after the rescued migrants realised they were being returned to Libya, where they were at risk of serious human rights violations. The experts also expressed concern that the European Union’s naval operation in the Mediterranean had coordinated with the El Hiblu 1 and the Libyan authorities in an attempt to facilitate the refoulement of migrants to Libya. The forcible return of migrants to Libya would violate the core legal obligation of non-refoulement,” they said.

At the Libya Energy and Economic Summit in Tripoli, government officials and international energy executives gathered to outline an ambitious roadmap that positions Libya as a critical supplier for European markets and a cornerstone of Africa’s energy development strategy. Production Recovery Reaches Decade-High LevelsLibya’s oil production recovery has exceeded even optimistic projections. This regulatory stability represents a significant departure from the uncertainty that characterized Libya’s energy sector during years of political fragmentation. Gas production is projected to reach 700-750 million standard cubic feet per day in 2026, representing a substantial increase from current levels. Challenges and Risks Remain Despite Positive MomentumWhile Libya’s energy sector recovery has been impressive, significant challenges persist.

The 444 Brigade say they have foiled an attempt to distribute large quantities of crack cocaine in the capital, Tripoli, after dismantling an organised criminal network. The brigade said the operation, described as a “qualitative” security raid, was carried out in coordination with Tripoli’s Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Agency, as part of efforts to curb drug trafficking and dismantle cross-border smuggling networks. Three Libyan suspects were arrested during the raid, with officers seizing around 500 bags of crack cocaine. The suspects and the seized narcotics have been referred to the Anti-Narcotics Prosecution in Tripoli for further legal proceedings. The 444 Brigade said it remains committed to combating activities that threaten public health and community security, warning that it will take firm action against those seeking to undermine stability in the country.

US oil companies are planning to boost investments in Libya and expand operations despite troubled relations between the nations in the past as the North African country focuses on reviving its energy sector. Chevron, a major US oil producer, also signed an initial agreement to return to Libya after a 15-year hiatus. Libya is also in the process of awarding new exploration licences to oil and gas companies next month. ReutersThe participation of US companies in the development of Libya's energy sector comes despite frosty relationship between the two countries in the past. It returned in 2005 and stayed back even as many companies wound up their operations during the civil war, Glenn Hamrell, executive vice president at Waha Oil Company, that operates Waha oilfield, said.

(AA Photo)Türkiye and Libya expect 2026 to mark a turning point in their energy partnership, with new projects, tenders and joint ventures set to deliver concrete results, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said. 2026 seen as milestone year for energy cooperationBayraktar said energy will be placed at the center of efforts to expand bilateral trade, which reached about $4.4 billion in 2025 and is expected to exceed $5 billion in 2026. “Türkiye-Libya cooperation will make 2026 an energy year,” he said, adding that talks have been underway for years and are now expected to yield tangible outcomes. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar speaks during the IICEC Conference at Sabanci Center in Istanbul, Türkiye, on December 26, 2025. Overseas energy strategy to accelerateBayraktar also said Türkiye is expanding its overseas energy activities as part of a new growth strategy.

Libya signed a 25-year oil development agreement on Saturday with France's TotalEnergies and U.S.-based ConocoPhillips, involving more than $20 billion in foreign-financed investment, Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah said. Waha, a subsidiary of Libya's state-run National Oil Corporation, operates five main oil and gas fields as well as several producing subfields, connected by pipeline networks that transport crude to the Sidra oil terminal and gas to processing facilities. The government also signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S. oil major Chevron and a cooperation agreement with Egypt's oil ministry during the Libya Energy and Economy Summit being held in Tripoli. Libya is one of Africa's biggest oil producers and a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Disputes between armed rival factions over oil revenues have often led to oilfield shutdowns.

TotalEnergies has signed an agreement extending the Waha oil concessions in Libya through December 31, 2050, securing a long-term foothold in one of the country’s most important producing areas and setting the stage for a new investment cycle. The Waha concessions currently produce around 370,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The Waha concessions are held by Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) with a 59.16% stake, alongside TotalEnergies and ConocoPhillips, which each hold 20.42%. Operations are carried out by Waha Oil Company, which is fully owned by NOC, reflecting Libya’s model of state-led resource management with international partners providing capital and technical expertise. The Waha agreement reflects this balancing act, allowing the company to sustain cash-generating upstream output while managing costs and emissions.