Lybia Roundup: Fuel smuggling, elections, asylum for refugees

Patrol surveillance

Germany has extended its participation in the EU-led operation Irini to monitor the UN arms embargo against Libya until April 2025. The mission involves airborne reconnaissance and maritime surveillance to prevent illegal exports of petroleum and combat human trafficking networks. Germany's Armed Forces have been involved in the mission since 2020, with the upper personnel limit of 300 soldiers remaining unchanged. Additionally, the German Navy may participate with a ship in the future. This operation is essential for long-term stability in Libya, Naval Technology reports.

Fuel smuggling

Fuel smuggling is reportedly fuelling Sudan's civil war, prompting an investigation by the head of Libya's Presidential Council. Mismanagement of the National Oil Corporation has led to smuggling, with some profits allegedly going to the Russian-backed Wagner Group Africa Corps. Libya, despite being oil-rich, imports most of its fuel and heavily subsidises domestic prices, leading to significant re-export and smuggling. According to Nova News, the inflated cost of subsidies has reached unsustainable levels, undermining the country's oil and gas revenue. Most imported fuel reportedly comes from Russia, via countries such as Turkey, and is illegally sold in Europe.

Asylum for refugees

Rwanda has resettled 6,000 refugees, including 91 from Libya, since 2019. The UK and Rwanda have signed a treaty for asylum seekers to be processed in Rwanda, although the plan has faced opposition and legal challenges. Rwanda remains ready to receive migrants despite concerns about cost and safety, The New Times reports.

Lybia’s Oil Minister suspended

Libya's Oil Minister, Mohamed Oun, has been suspended pending an investigation for ‘Legal violations’. No further details were provided except for the number of cases. Meanwhile, Oun says he has not been told the reason for the decision, Bloomberg reports.

Egypt supports Lybia in electoral issues

The head of Egyptian intelligence affirmed support for Libyan elections during a meeting with Libyan military commander Haftar in Benghazi. The discussions focused on advancing the political process and praised the UN's efforts. The international community, including Egypt, advocates for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya to end over a decade of instability. Leaders in Libya have agreed to establish a new unified government responsible for overseeing the elections. According to the English Ahram media outlet, UNSMIL (United Nations Support Mission in Libya) also supports the formation of a unified government.