Good morning. This Saturday’s news highlights come from Google, reporting on Libya.
The resignation of UN Special Representative to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, underscores the stagnation of the country’s political process. While international policymakers urge Libyan factions to take the lead in resolving the deadlock, many Libyan actors see an internationally mandated process as the most viable option. Bathily’s tenure focused on convening key leaders but failed to yield significant progress due to their resistance to change. The next UN envoy faces the daunting task of revitalizing the stalled political process amid mounting challenges and entrenched corruption. Addressing economic issues and involving a broader range of stakeholders will be crucial for any meaningful progress in Libya’s transition – As yet another UN Libya envoy quits, his successor must be bolder (Chatham House ~ EXPERT COMMENT)
Saharan dust has drifted as far as Athens, bringing an oppressive orange tint to the atmosphere. Looking more like the surface of Mars than Earth, a region of Libya appears to have a deep red hue as a result of a dust storm – Dust storm turns Libya red and Greece orange (Sky News ~ World)
A potent weather system in Europe carried Saharan dust into Libya and Greece, coloring skies red and orange. Famous landmarks in Athens, such as the Acropolis, were covered in orange and red hues, while cities in northern Libya, like Benghazi and Derna, experienced apocalyptic scenes of dust-covered skies and buildings. The dust storm was accompanied by strong winds reaching speeds of up to 45 mph (70 km/h). Air quality readings in northern Libya and Egypt reached unhealthy to dangerous levels due to the dust, with forecasts indicating a gradual improvement by Wednesday evening. Parts of Greece also experienced unhealthy air quality as dust blew northward over the Mediterranean Sea – Acropolis apocalypse: Skies turn orange, red over Greece, Libya (AccuWeather ~ NEWS / WEATHER NEWS)
Former soldiers from Ireland’s elite Army Ranger Wing (ARW) have restarted military training operations in Libya, disregarding warnings from the Irish Government and potentially violating international sanctions. Irish Training Solutions (ITS), founded by ex-ARW members, is conducting training for troops loyal to Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar under a contract valued at over €10 million, scheduled to continue until 2025. The Irish Times revealed this arrangement, sparking concerns about EU and UN arms embargoes on Libya and prompting an investigation by Irish authorities. Despite government warnings, ITS has resumed training activities in Libya with 16 instructors, primarily ex-Defence Forces personnel, focusing on Haftar’s special forces. The Defence Forces are collaborating with law enforcement agencies to address the situation, emphasizing compliance with UN embargoes and EU sanctions, while highlighting the importance of upholding the values of Óglaigh Na hÉireann (Irish Defence Forces) – Former Irish special forces soldiers resume training for rogue Libyan general despite warnings (The Irish Times)
The Chairman of Libya’s Presidential Council, Mohamed Al Menfi, dispatched two envoys to Morocco and Mauritania to convey a message regarding plans for the Arab Maghreb Union, following a meeting in Tunis with leaders from Tunisia and Algeria. The aim was to discuss revitalizing the union’s role in the region, which was established in 1989 to foster relations and address regional issues among Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. Libyan officials emphasized the importance of including Morocco in any discussions about restoring the union’s role, rejecting the notion of creating a parallel body. Additionally, Libya urged Mauritania to support efforts to revive the union during a meeting with Mauritanian President Mohamedh Al Ghazouani. Despite aspirations for regional unity, the Arab Maghreb Union has faced numerous challenges over the years, hindering its ability to achieve its goals of borderless cooperation and free movement of people and goods among member states – Libya sends envoys to Morocco and Mauritania after Tunis talks on Arab Maghreb Union (The National MENA ~ News)
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