AGP Executive Report

Libya’s Stalled Political Crisis: A new analysis says Libya remains trapped in the post-2011 wreckage, with UN efforts failing to break the deadlock as fragmentation keeps institutions from rebuilding. Regional Aviation & Trade: Cameroon has formed technical working groups to assess Libya’s proposed Tripoli–Yaoundé direct air route, a move tied to Libya’s wider aviation comeback. Derna After Storm Daniel: Three years on from the 2023 disaster, Derna families still wait on housing and compensation as appeals continue and dam responsibility cases drag on. Exchange Rate Pressure: A fresh look at Libya’s persistent official vs parallel dollar gap links the widening premium to everyday costs and asks why formal FX supply still can’t meet demand. Education & Jobs in Benghazi: At the MENA Food 2026 exhibition, Benghazi tourism educators pushed to close the gap between training outcomes and hospitality labor needs. Culture & Literature: Egyptian author Ola Abdel Moneim’s “Taghribat Al-Duduk” spotlights an Armenian family’s survival across generations, from Ottoman massacres to the 2011 revolution. Ghana Repatriation from Libya: Ghana, with IOM and ECOWAS, facilitated the safe return of 180 nationals from Libya, including children and infants, with reintegration support planned. UNGA Tensions: Libya-related seats were reported empty during mass walkouts as Netanyahu addressed the UN, reflecting wider regional anger.

Derna Reconstruction: Three years after Storm Daniel, Derna families in Al-Akwakh say they’re still waiting for housing and compensation as appeals continue and some homes remain crumbling while court cases over the dams drag on. Education & Work: Benghazi’s University of Benghazi is running an 8-week virtual international dialogue program to boost student communication and cultural exchange. Tourism Skills: In Benghazi, the MENA Food 2026 exhibition is being used to connect food, hospitality and hotel training with real labor-market needs. Teachers’ Rights: Tripoli-area public school teachers protest for higher pay, health insurance and overtime, threatening an open-ended strike that could spread to private schools. Local Economy: Libya’s widening official vs parallel exchange-rate gap is hitting daily life, with the dollar nearing LD 10 in cash as the Central Bank rate stays far lower. Security Politics: Tripoli’s “sabotage cell” case is sparking fresh accusations between rival Libyan factions after the GNU announced arrests but released few investigation details. Culture & Lifestyle: A review of Haile Gerima’s anti-colonial film “Black Lions, Roman Wolves” highlights Ethiopia’s anti-colonial history through cinema. Human Mobility: Ghana repatriated 180 nationals from Libya with IOM and ECOWAS support, including children and infants.

UNGA Protest: Dozens of delegations walked out as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu began his UN General Assembly address, with many seats left empty across a wide range of countries, including Libya, amid renewed outrage over Gaza and regional attacks. Libya Education & Work: Libyan public school teachers staged mass protests in Tripoli and other cities, demanding higher salaries, health insurance, and overtime pay as a major strike disrupts the school year. Libya Culture & Learning: The University of Benghazi launched an eight-week virtual international dialogue program to connect students with peers worldwide and build communication and cultural exchange skills. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye’s Erdogan warned that the Russia-Ukraine war could spread toward NATO, while Turkish FM Hakan Fidan chaired an OIC foreign ministers meeting in New York focused on Gaza and wider crises including Libya. Halal Trade & Food: Libya is set to make its maiden participation at Malaysia’s MIHAS 2026 to boost halal trade, and Benghazi hosted cooking competitions linking Libyan and Sudanese chefs at the MENA Food Expo. Local Governance & Integrity: Libya’s anti-corruption bodies discussed ways to strengthen cooperation with Qatar and Libyan counterparts in Doha. Religion & Community: A report claims Muammar Gaddafi fatally shot Imam Musa Sadr in the chest, reviving old questions around the cleric’s disappearance.

Teachers’ Protest: Libyan public school teachers hit Tripoli and other cities with mass demonstrations, demanding higher salaries, health insurance, and overtime pay, as a three-week strike disrupts the school year and could expand into private schools. Women’s Jobs Push: The EU announced a €10m initiative to create 500,000 jobs for women across the Middle East and North Africa, focusing on skills, entrepreneurship, and hiring reforms. Benghazi Education Exchange: The University of Benghazi launched an eight-week virtual international dialogue program to connect students worldwide and build communication and critical-thinking skills. Food & Culture: In Benghazi’s MENA Food Expo, Libyan and Sudanese teams competed in cooking challenges, with organizers stressing food safety and professional kitchen skills. Anti-Corruption Cooperation: Libya’s transparency authority met Qatari counterparts in Doha to strengthen joint anti-corruption work, training, and shared institutional expertise. Humanitarian Weather Alert: The Libyan Red Crescent in Sabha raised its alert level and activated emergency plans ahead of expected rainfall, urging residents to contact its emergency line if needed. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye’s Hakan Fidan chaired an OIC foreign ministers’ meeting in New York, spotlighting Gaza and wider crises including Libya, while stressing protection of Muslim minorities.

Education & Youth Exchange: The University of Benghazi is launching an eight-week virtual international dialogue for students, with small-group sessions moderated by specialists to boost communication, critical thinking, and cultural exchange. Anti-Corruption Cooperation: Libya’s High Authority for Transparency is in Doha meeting Qatari counterparts to expand joint work on preventing corruption, including training and shared expertise. Sports & Culture: Syria has won the bid to host the Arab Cycling Championship (Oct 2–13), with Libya among the 14 participating Arab countries—an event expected to draw thousands and spotlight regional talent. Humanitarian Preparedness: The Libyan Red Crescent in Sabha has raised its alert level and activated its emergency plan ahead of changing weather and expected rainfall. Food & Community Skills: Benghazi’s MENA Food Expo continues with a Libyan–Sudanese cooking competition focused on culinary skills, food safety, and kitchen management. Jobs & Skills Planning: Libya’s Ministry of Planning is working to align education outputs with labour market needs, including forming a national team to propose coordination mechanisms. Politics & Elections Debate: A UN-facilitated 4+4 agreement is framed as a step toward restarting Libya’s stalled election process after disputes blocked progress since 2021. International Diplomacy (Libya in focus): Libya’s Presidential Council head al-Menfi used UNGA to call for an order where rule of law isn’t a privilege, while stressing Libya’s solidarity with Arab partners and condemning attacks on Islamic holy sites.

Libya’s political life: In Misrata, Libya’s constitutional monarchy movement held its inaugural gathering of more than 500 delegates, pushing for a “credible national framework” and transparent, fair elections after years without a national vote. Culture & food: Benghazi’s MENA Food Expo continued with a Libyan-Sudanese cooking competition, spotlighting chefs’ skills, food safety, and kitchen management. Education & jobs: Libya’s Ministry of Planning met to narrow the gap between what schools teach and what the labour market needs, with plans for better coordination and a national team to draft proposals. Humanitarian readiness: The Libyan Red Crescent in Sabha raised its alert level and activated an emergency plan ahead of expected weather changes and rainfall. Trade & lifestyle: Libya’s “maiden” participation in Malaysia’s MIHAS 2026 aims to boost halal trade links and help Libyan exhibitors reach wider African markets. International spotlight: Libya’s al-Menfi told the UNGA that Palestinians remain steadfast despite worsening conditions, while also pledging Libya’s solidarity and calling for relations based on sovereignty and non-interference.

Libya–Malaysia Trade & Halal Push: Libya is set to take part in MIHAS 2026 in Malaysia to boost bilateral trade and tap Malaysian halal certification know-how, with Libya positioning itself as a gateway to Africa and highlighting Libyan product quality for global buyers. Humanitarian Readiness in Sabha: The Libyan Red Crescent in Sabha has raised its alert level and activated an emergency plan ahead of expected weather changes and rainfall, with teams on standby to respond to calls and protect lives and property. Libya’s Diplomacy at UNGA: Libya’s acting foreign minister, Al-Taher Al-Baour, met Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar on UN sidelines to discuss stronger ties in trade, education, and business links, alongside regional stability efforts and calls to return to the Islamabad MoU. Global Rights Spotlight: Switzerland urged Israel to end the “illegal occupation” of Palestinian territory and also raised concerns about Libya, condemning recent executions and calling for fair trial guarantees and freedoms of expression and assembly.

Libya–Pakistan ties: Libya’s acting foreign minister Al-Taher Al-Baour met Pakistan’s DPM and foreign minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar in New York, with both sides pushing stronger cooperation in trade, education, and business-to-business links, and Dar urging all parties to return to the Islamabad MoU for regional stability. Turkey backs Tripoli: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met Libya’s Presidential Council chair Mohamed al-Menfi, saying Ankara won’t consent to any “formula” that doesn’t serve Tripoli’s interests, while also stressing dialogue and reconciliation and expanding cooperation in energy, defense, and mining. Libyan business push: The Libyan Businessmen Council discussed boosting Canada–Libya private sector cooperation, focusing on oil and gas, training, and education, and highlighted its “Libya Means Business” initiative. Press freedom spotlight: The EU and Samir Kassir Foundation announced winners of the Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press 2026, with entries including Libya among participating countries.

Libya–Pakistan diplomacy: Libya’s acting foreign minister Taher Al-Baour met Pakistan’s Deputy PM and FM Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on UNGA sidelines in New York, with both sides pledging stronger ties in trade, education, and business-to-business links, and Dar urging all parties to return to the Islamabad MoU for regional stability. Türkiye backs Tripoli: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told Libya’s Presidential Council chair Mohamed al-Menfi that Ankara will not accept any “formula” that doesn’t serve Tripoli’s interests, while stressing dialogue and reconciliation and expanding cooperation in energy, defense, and mining. EU press-freedom spotlight: The EU and the Samir Kassir Foundation announced winners of the Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press, with entries including journalists from Libya, underscoring the region’s push for safer, freer journalism. Libya in the wider energy picture: With oil prices pressured by Middle East diplomacy and Hormuz flows, renewed attention is on Libya’s energy reliability amid political and domestic fuel challenges.

Libya–Türkiye diplomacy: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met Libya’s Presidential Council chair Mohamed al-Menfi in New York, stressing Ankara will not back any “formula” that harms Tripoli’s interests and urging dialogue and reconciliation between Libyan factions. Erdoğan also highlighted expanding cooperation in energy, defence, and mining, and invited al-Menfi to Türkiye’s COP31 summit in Antalya. Libyan finance & daily life: Libya’s Central Bank Sharia supervisory board ruled that “dollar reservation” for personal use is religiously permissible, saying customers can cancel or postpone without a binding exchange rate or transfer of ownership at the reservation stage—after earlier objections from Dar al-Ifta. Regional context for Libyans: With oil sliding below $100 amid UNGA diplomacy and Iran–US tensions, Libya’s energy stability and domestic fuel shortages remain in the spotlight, as disruptions and infrastructure strain continue to affect production and supply.

Libya’s Central Bank Sharia Ruling: Libya’s Sharia supervisory board says “dollar reservation” for personal use is religiously permissible, stressing customers can cancel or postpone without a binding exchange rate or ownership transfer—after Dar al-Ifta raised objections in mid-September. Migration & Safety at Sea: A deadly Mediterranean tragedy off Zarzis is highlighted, with search efforts ending after nearly all passengers were lost, underscoring how the central route remains among the world’s deadliest. Benghazi Culture & Cooperation: Spain’s ambassador met Benghazi’s National Development Agency chief to discuss development, investment, training, and cultural knowledge exchange, including support for visa services. Libya’s Political Deadlock: Commentary notes the 30 August electoral deal may still leave Libya’s future politics constrained, with fears of an overly powerful presidency and limited parliamentary power. Regional Diplomacy Watch: Turkey’s peace-diplomacy push and Erdoğan’s UN diplomacy are covered as part of wider regional engagement that can shape Libya’s neighborhood.

Libya’s Central Bank Sharia Ruling: The CBL says its Sharia Supervisory Board has confirmed the religious validity of certain personal FX “mudaraba” and related exchange transactions after objections from Dar al-Ifta, clarifying that “dollar reservation” doesn’t set a binding rate or transfer ownership at the reservation stage. Benghazi Diplomacy: Spain’s ambassador met Libya’s National Development Agency director-general in Benghazi to discuss cooperation on development, investment, infrastructure, training, and cultural/knowledge exchange, including support for visa services. Libya’s Political Deal Debate: A UN-brokered electoral agreement signed in late August is being hailed by officials as a step toward democracy, while activists warn it could weaken parliament and enable an all-powerful presidency. Culture & Heritage: A new study highlights how Syrian archaeologists saved about 30,000 artifacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum during the civil war, underscoring wartime protection of cultural heritage. Migration Reality Check: A Tunisian-linked Mediterranean tragedy off Zarzis adds to the rising 2026 death toll on the Central route, with hundreds still attempting departures despite tighter controls. Sports Mystery (Global): The decades-old kidnapping of the champion racehorse Shergar remains unsolved, with fresh reporting revisiting the hostage-negotiation calls and ransom demands.

Libyan-Spanish Cooperation in Benghazi: Spain’s Ambassador Javier Soria met NDA chief Mahmoud Al-Farjani in Benghazi to explore development, investment, infrastructure, training, and cultural exchange, with talks also highlighting Spain’s role in visa services. Libya’s Political Roadmap Debate: A UN-brokered electoral agreement signed on 30 August is being hailed as a “spring of democracy,” but critics warn it could weaken parliament, strengthen a powerful presidency, and shape the next political field. Cultural Memory & Identity: Libya marks the 95th anniversary of the execution of Omar Al-Mukhtar, while a separate cultural spotlight looks at how communities keep heritage alive through arts and public memory. Regional Human Stories: A Tunis protest in support of Global Sumud Flotilla members detained since March demands their release and denounces “criminalization” of solidarity with Gaza. Culture Under Pressure: Research highlights how Syrian archaeologists saved about 30,000 artifacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum during the ISIS threat, underscoring wartime protection of heritage. Benghazi Youth Planning: A ZHA-led team unveiled a vision and digital planning hub for Benghazi’s 2050 city plan, alongside local calls for reconstruction funding in Budzayra.

Libya Politics & Governance: A UN-brokered deal signed on 30 August is being hailed as a “spring of Libyan democracy,” but activists warn the fine print could weaken parliament and pave the way for an all-powerful presidency, with oil output meanwhile climbing to post-2011 highs. UN Diplomacy: Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy heads to New York for the 81st UN General Assembly, focusing on Palestine, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, Gulf security, and regional files including Libya. Cultural Heritage: A new study highlights how Syrian archaeologists saved around 30,000 artifacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum during the civil war, underscoring wartime protection of culture across the region. Migration & Human Stories: A South Sudanese teen, Chan Atak, was jailed for piloting a “mega-dinghy” carrying 165 migrants (including 31 children) across the Channel, while separate reporting notes arrests tied to a Libya-to-Italy trafficking attempt after eight Bangladeshis died at sea. Culture & Arts: The Three Cultures Foundation opens its autumn programme with Monia’s Quartet Arab Flamenco Project, blending Arabic modes and Mediterranean music with flamenco.

Libya’s Political Life: Libya’s electoral deal is being hailed by UN officials as a breakthrough, but activists warn it could lock in a weak parliament and pave the way for an all-powerful presidency—raising fresh fears of a Haftar-style outcome. UN & Regional Diplomacy: Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy heads to New York for the UN General Assembly, with meetings focused on Palestine, Gaza, Gulf security, and developments including Libya. Libya’s Culture & Memory: Libya marked the 95th anniversary of Omar Al-Mukhtar’s execution with an official “Martyr’s Day” holiday and local commemorations. Religion & Public Debate: Former Libyan Grand Mufti Sadiq al-Ghariani urged Muslims to back Houthi control of Bab al-Mandab if forced to choose, sparking responses from Yemen’s religious authorities and Libya’s fatwa bodies. Migration & Rights: Eritrean refugees detained in Libya are facing renewed pressure in Europe, with protests in Brussels calling for EU action and an end to rights-abusing cooperation. Human Stories: A Channel-crossing case highlights how traffickers and dangerous journeys keep endangering migrants, with courts sentencing a young pilot for steering an overcrowded, failing boat.

Libya Commemoration: Libya marked the 95th anniversary of Omar Al-Mukhtar’s execution, with an official holiday approved for government institutions and public facilities. Benghazi Development: Residents of Budzayra in Benghazi urged the local council to push urgent reconstruction—fixing chronic electricity failures, addressing water shortages, paving roads, improving safety, and expanding health and school services. Cultural Life: The Monia’s Quartet Arab Flamenco Project opened the Three Cultures Foundation’s autumn programme, blending Arabic musical modes with flamenco and Mediterranean jazz. Migration & Rights: A Brussels protest called on the EU to protect Eritrean refugees detained in Libya’s Benghazi and Tajoura centres and to stop migration policies that trade away fundamental rights. Regional Religion & Politics: Former Libyan Grand Mufti Sadiq al-Ghariani urged Muslims to back Houthi control of Bab al-Mandab if forced to choose between the Houthis and the U.S. or Saudi Arabia, prompting responses from Yemen’s endowments authority and Libya’s fatwa committee. Humanitarian/Heritage: A study highlights how Syrian archaeologists saved around 30,000 artifacts from Deir ez-Zor’s museum during ISIS threats, underscoring cultural protection in wartime.