Tripoli hosts first research group meeting of the Euro-Maghreb Center
Tripoli hosted the first meeting of the Research Group of the Euro-Maghreb Center for Strategic Research and Studies at the headquarters of the Libyan Higher Academy for Strategic Studies, in the implementation of the research activities under the (5+5 Defense) Initiative action plan, titled “Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on the 5+5 Defense Space: Threats and New Prospects.”The meeting was attended by the Secretary-General of the General Staff of the Libyan Army, the President of the Libyan Higher Academy for Strategic Studies, the Director of the National Defense College, the Director of the Libya Center for Strategic Studies and Research, along with representatives of the Ministry of Defense. Participants also included the Secretary-General of the Euro-Maghreb Center and representatives of the (5+5 Defense) Initiative member states: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, and Libya.
Source:Libya Observer
January 30, 2026 19:53 UTC
Turkish Minister of Defense discusses with Zoubi in Ankara prospects for enhancing cooperation in defense fields
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Source:Libya Today
January 30, 2026 19:25 UTC
Hungary’s MOL Signs Broad Energy Cooperation Pact With Libya’s NOC
Hungary’s MOL Group has signed a new strategic partnership with Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), marking a fresh step in the company’s push to expand its international upstream footprint and diversify crude supply sources. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation across hydrocarbons exploration and production, technological innovation, oilfield services, and crude trading. Under the MoU, MOL and NOC will exchange technical and commercial information and jointly evaluate potential projects in Libya, including upstream exploration opportunities and field-development technologies. The agreement also covers crude supply and trading cooperation, an increasingly strategic priority for European energy companies seeking diversification amid geopolitical uncertainty. Hernádi emphasized that Libya’s oil and gas sector remains a critical pillar of global energy supply, while highlighting the broader strategic implications for Europe.
Source:Libya Today
January 30, 2026 16:19 UTC
Wahda bank to introduce ‘‘Edei’’ – the first palm-scan payment service in Libya
Wahda Bank announced yesterday that it will be introducing soon “Edei”, the first palm-scan payment service in Libya. It said this comes as part of its pursuit of supporting digital transformation and providing advanced electronic payment solutions. The bank explained that customers need only and simply hover their hand over the payment device to complete their transactions securely and quickly, without any additional tools. It stressed that customers would need no card, phone, service numbers, verification codes, apps, or an internet service. Therefore, this raises the question of: if Wahda bank is to operate within the existing law, which biometric database will it be using for its customers?
Source:Libya Today
January 30, 2026 15:55 UTC
MOL Group enters strategic partnership with Libya's National Oil Corporation - Chemical Engineering
MOL Group (Budapest, Hungary; www.molgroup.info) has entered into a new strategic partnership with Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC; Tripoli, Libya; www.noclibya.com.ly). The memorandum of understanding was signed in Budapest by MOL Group Chairman and CEO Zsolt Hernádi and Masoud Suleman, Chairman of the National Oil Corporation (NOC). The strategic partnership agreement sets out the framework for NOC and MOL to exchange information and jointly explore potential areas of cooperation. I am sure that this new agreement will act as a catalyst for further expanding our international portfolio, creating clear mutual value for both companies and reinforcing the resilience of our region. Consequently, it has recently signed cooperation agreements with the national oil company of Kazakhstan (KazMunayGas), the national oil company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), and the national oil company of Türkiye (Turkish Petroleum).
Source:Libya Today
January 30, 2026 15:40 UTC
Behind the screens: Social media’s mental health toll on teenage girls
The digital playground is no longer just fun and games; it’s a high-stakes arena for mental health. Research by France’s National Health Agency (ANSES) also indicates that social media use significantly affects adolescents’ mental health, with girls being more vulnerable. Experts note that the length of time spent on platforms and the type of interactions directly affect mental health. Specific risks for adolescent girls and pressure on body imageResearch highlights specific risks that adolescent girls face on social media. The nature of social media use, the time spent, and the type of content exposure are crucial in shaping teens’ mental health.
Source:Libya Today
January 30, 2026 15:31 UTC
How Libya’s Power Brokers Keep the Oil Flowing
Publicly, the talks were about strengthening Libya’s “institutions” (Central Bank, the NOC, and budget oversight bodies). For Haftar’s camp, it means securing tolerated access to oil value outside that system, through crude-in-kind arrangements, parallel commercial channels, and Tripoli’s willingness to avoid enforcement when eastern networks divert or pressure flows. These arrangements are tolerated on both sides as long as they remain roughly balanced (“strengthening institutions). When Tripoli tightens access to FX, audits spending, or slows budget releases, the east applies pressure through oil production or export threats. When eastern networks expand off-books crude flows too far, Tripoli responds through legal action, payment freezes, or international exposure.
Source:Libya Today
January 30, 2026 14:32 UTC
Libyan Foreign Bank files for US$ 100 million lawsuit against Zimbabwean entities for a 2001 debt
Bloomberg reported last Wednesday (28 January) that the Libyan Foreign Bank (LFB), a subsidiary of the Central Bank of Libya, has filed a lawsuit against Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance (a guarantor for the debt) and a Zimbabwean state-owned fuel distribution company, seeking repayment of debts exceeding US$ 100 million. The report states that the lawsuit was filed last November in a British court. The LFB asserts that Zimbabwe has failed to meet its financial obligations under the credit facility. Furthermore, the Bloomberg report says documents indicate that the Zimbabwean state-owned fuel distribution company only repaid US$ 5.5 million in four instalments between 2013 and 2023. The outstanding debt, including interest, now exceeds US$ 100 million.
Source:Libya Today
January 30, 2026 09:58 UTC
Libya stumble in preparations as failure to secure friendly raises fresh concerns
Libya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have suffered an early setback after the national team failed to secure a single friendly match during the upcoming March international break. Despite repeated efforts by the Libyan Football Federation, no opponent has been confirmed, leaving the technical staff without a crucial opportunity to assess the squad ahead of competitive action. The national team, sources say, continues to bear the brunt of these shortcomings. The “Mediterranean Knights” missed out on qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the upcoming World Cup, and the Arab Cup hosted in Doha. Libya have not reached the continental finals since 2012, and fans are desperate to see the national team end a long and painful absence from Africa’s biggest football stage.
Source:Libya Today
January 30, 2026 09:49 UTC
For the first time in 15 years, Libya receives international approval to import dollars in cash
The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) announced that it has received international approval to import US$ 600 million monthly in cash, for the first time in 15 years. Citizens can withdraw this amount in cash through exchange companies and offices. The statement added that licensed foreign exchange bureaux are now operational and ready to provide the dollars in cash. Dollar imports to Libya were halted in 2013 following a robbery at the CBL branch in Sirte attributed to Islamists / the Islamic State. As part of its reforms, the CBL is hoping these measures will bring down the price of the foreign exchange rate of the US dollar on Libya’s black-market.
Source:Libya Today
January 30, 2026 09:32 UTC
Trump's strikes on Iran could turn it into another Iraq or Libya
I write in reference to the article US forces to conduct 'readiness exercise' in Middle East amid tension with Iran (January 27): more Iranians will die if the US does launch an attack. They will also live to regret the consequences, like those living in Libya and Iraq. While India has taken a firm stand against these measures, several other countries have stepped forward to strengthen trade ties with it. In this context, the dramatic development between India and the EU is particularly significant. You can disagree with her all you want, you don‘t attack people with praying liquids on them.
Source:Libya Today
January 30, 2026 03:02 UTC
Libya shaken by leaked clinic video as authorities open probe
Libyan public opinion has been shaken in recent hours after a leaked video circulated from inside a private clinic in the capital, Tripoli. The footage showed the bodies of newborn babies and amputated human organs stored frozen in a refrigerator, prompting the relevant authorities to open urgent investigations. According to the circulated footage, the bodies of newborn babies and human organs wrapped in plastic bags were shown stored frozen inside the clinic. Security raid and reports of a temporary closureAfter the video spread, additional clips circulated on social media showing security forces raiding the clinic and cordoning it off. Clinic’s explanation for amputated parts, legal proceduresRegarding the amputated parts shown in the clips, the clinic said that the relevant laws and regulations require clinics to retain any amputated parts and hand them over to their owner for burial.
Source:Libya Today
January 30, 2026 02:58 UTC
Almadar Mobile launches Libya’s first 5G service in Tripoli – countrywide roll out to follow soon
Libya’s second largest state mobile telecoms company, Almadar Aljadid, announced last Tuesday (27 January) the launch of its 5G service, becoming the first Libyan national operator to offer this serviceAlmadar said the new 5G service will offer faster internet, higher responsiveness, and an unprecedented experience. The company said phase one of the rolled out will see the service being launched in the capital Tripoli first, with the rest of Libya to follow soon. The introduction of the first 5G service in Libya is a real qualitative leapAlmadar said the introduction of the first 5G service in Libya is a real qualitative leap, as it provides ultra-fast speeds, low latency and unprecedented connectivity quality, with thoughtful and competitive packages and prices comparable to what is applicable in neighbouring countries, ensuring an advanced digital experience that meets the aspirations of users.A strategic turning point in the digital transformationIt said this achievement represents a strategic turning point in the digital transformation process in Libya, where the fifth generation is expected to play a pivotal role in developing health services through telemedicine, upgrading the educational process through smart solutions and platforms, as well as stimulating the national economy, supporting entrepreneurship, and enabling innovation and modern technologies.Almadar said this launch comes as a confirmation of its commitment to leading the future of telecommunications in Libya, enhancing digital infrastructure, and providing advanced technical solutions that keep pace with global development, contribute to achieving sustainable development and building a promising digital future for all citizens of the country.Initial reports to Libya Herald, at the time of publication, indicate that the service is not widely available in Tripoli, but confined to just a few central parts of the capital. Libya’s state mobile company Almadar to launch 5G services soon
Source:Libya Today
January 29, 2026 22:07 UTC
Africa Intelligence: Talks between Dbeibah and Haftar camps in Paris
A report by Africa Intelligence revealed that an undisclosed meeting was held on Wednesday, at the Élysée Palace in Paris, between Ibrahim Dbeibah, adviser to the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, and Saddam Haftar, under French-American sponsorship. According to the report, the meeting discussed ways to reach an agreement leading to the unification of Libya’s national institutions, amid the continued political division and the failure of previous UN-led tracks. The meeting was coordinated by the French president’s special envoy to Libya, Paul Soler, in cooperation with the US president’s adviser for African and Middle Eastern affairs, Massad Boulos, the report said. Africa Intelligence explained that “the ongoing talks addressed the possibility of forming a unified government in which the main factions would share responsibilities under the leadership of a single prime minister, in an attempt to overcome the deadlock that has stalled elections for years.”Boulos visited Tripoli on 25 January to take part in the opening of the Libya Energy and Economy Summit, organized by the Government of National Unity, before heading to Benghazi to meet Saddam Haftar. In early September last year, Italian media revealed that a secret meeting had been held in Rome between representatives of the two sides of the Libyan conflict, in a move described as the first of its kind in years.
Source:Libya Observer
January 29, 2026 17:54 UTC
KBR to sign technical support and project management contract in February for Libya’s South Refinery
The Chairman and members of the Board of Libya’s South Refinery Company met with a high-level delegation from the American company KBR (Kellogg Brown and Root) last Tuesday (27 January), Libya’s Zallaf Oil and Gas Company reported. Zallaf said the meeting comes as part of the final preparations for signing the contract for technical support and project management services for the refinery project. The two parties agreed at the meeting that the technical support and project management services contract is scheduled to be signed in early February. KBR stated that this collaboration will enable it, as a global leader in engineering consulting and major project management, to manage the South Refinery project and provide technical support and consulting services to ensure the project’s completion according to the highest engineering and professional standards. It will be recalled that KBR signed an MoU with the Libyan Telecommunications Holding Company (LPTIC) last Friday (23 January) to improve Libya’s telecoms sector.
Source:Libya Today
January 29, 2026 15:24 UTC