The Tunis Mirage: Why Libya’s Sovereignty Cannot Be Outsourced
The most immediate indictment of the Tunis meeting came from Tripoli. Central to the Tunis discussions was the UN’s “Structured Dialogue,” a framework intended to bridge the gap between rival administrations in Tripoli and Benghazi. However, as the delegates in Tunis discussed governance tracks and human rights, they appeared to ignore the “judicial divorce” currently tearing through Libya’s foundations. Libya today stands at a crossroads between a “life of honor and sovereignty” or a future of “subordination and tutelage”. Stability in Libya will not be found in a unified budget or a synchronized electoral calendar dictated from Tunis or New York.
Source:Libya Today
January 27, 2026 23:41 UTC
Libyan–Saudi talks on Zuwara Refinery project
The Libya Africa Investment Portfolio and the National Oil Corporation held talks with a delegation from the Saudi company Ajyal for Petroleum and Energy to discuss the possibility of Ajyal contributing to the Zuwara oil refinery project, reviewing boosting local refining capacity and creating added value for Libya’s energy sector. According to a statement by the Portfolio, the Chairman of the National Oil Corporation, Massoud Suleiman, expressed his full support for the initiative and emphasized the Corporation’s commitment to ensuring the success of partnerships that help develop the oil and gas sector. Ajyal is considered one of Saudi Arabia’s leading companies in the development of integrated energy projects, operating across the full value chain from exploration and production to oilfield services and advanced technological solutions.
Source:Libya Observer
January 27, 2026 20:29 UTC
Dbeibah receives decades-delayed national human rights reports
Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, on Tuesday received a package of national periodic human rights reports from Minister of Justice Halima Ibrahim, some of which had been delayed for more than two decades. The reports cover long-overdue issues, including some pending for 20 years and others delayed 10 to 12 years, such as the prevention of torture, the rights of persons with disabilities, and civil and political rights. They were prepared through a national mechanism, the first of its kind, with technical support from the United Nations. Dbeibah emphasized that his government places human rights as a top priority, describing the submission of the reports as a strategic step that demonstrates institutional discipline and enhances Libya’s international standing on human rights.
Source:Libya Observer
January 27, 2026 17:59 UTC
Dispute escalates between Italy and ICC over Osama Njeem case
The decision was adopted by a majority of the Pre-Trial Chamber judges, with one of the three judges issuing a dissenting opinion. The Assembly of States Parties is scheduled to discuss the matter at its next meeting in December 2026, ANSA reported. The Court explained that Italy failed to comply with its international obligations under the Rome Statute after it refrained from proceeding with Najim’s arrest and surrender. In its response to the Court, the Italian government stated in an official document sent on October 31 that it intends to review the rules governing cooperation with the International Criminal Court in order to prevent a recurrence of what it described as procedural shortcomings that accompanied the Osama Njeem case. Italian authorities had released Osama Njeem after his arrest on January 19, despite the issuance of an arrest warrant against him by the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Source:Libya Observer
January 27, 2026 17:59 UTC
HoR allocates funds for parliamentary and presidential elections
The High National Electoral Commission (HNEC) says it has received a decision from the House of Representatives (HoR) approving a budget to cover the costs of upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission said Decision No. 3 of 2026 allocates 210 million Libyan dinars for the organisation of the polls, to be conducted under the supervision of the Presidency of the House of Representatives. HNEC welcomed the move, describing it as a “practical and serious step” that reflects the legislature’s commitment to supporting the democratic process. The Commission added that it is fully prepared to begin the technical and logistical preparations required for the elections, in line with existing legislation and international professional standards, with the aim of strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
Source:Libya Observer
January 27, 2026 16:31 UTC
UN envoy briefs 11 ambassadors on Libya’s political deadlock
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.
Source:Libya Observer
January 27, 2026 12:32 UTC
UN fears hundreds missing or dead in Mediterranean shipwrecks since start of 2026
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.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2026 23:21 UTC
LEES 2026 roundtables highlight renewed global investor appetite for Libya
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.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2026 21:41 UTC
Himam Foundation organizes a workshop to enhance the rights of persons with disabilities in elections
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.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2026 20:25 UTC
National Reconciliation Track meetings begin within structured dialogue
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.
Source:Libya Observer
January 26, 2026 18:10 UTC
Fourth forensic medicine course for investigators concludes in Tripoli
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.
Source:Libya Observer
January 26, 2026 16:57 UTC
HoR denies plans to tax basic goods
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.
Source:Libya Observer
January 26, 2026 16:35 UTC
Chairman of Libyan Presidential Council meets Qatar's Ambassador
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.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2026 14:06 UTC
UN experts urge Malta stops ‘unjustified prosecution’ of El Hiblu 3
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.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2026 14:01 UTC
Libya Secures $20 Billion Energy Investment Pipeline as Oil Production Surges Toward Record Levels
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.
Source:Libya Today
January 26, 2026 13:25 UTC