Internal political divisions continue to prevent the government from implementing regular budget processes, which adversely affected fiscal transparency and the country’s operations. Audit reports for large state-owned enterprises and information regarding expenditures to support executive offices were not publicly available. Libya does not yet fully use internationally accepted accounting principles. The supreme audit institution did not meet international standards of independence. It may have audited some of the government’s accounts but did not make any public reports available within a reasonable period. The government specified in law or regulation and generally appeared to follow in practice the criteria and procedures for awarding natural resource extraction contracts and licenses. Basic information on natural resource extraction awards was public. Read more from the US State Department.
Category: Latest Libya News
US Military investigating Air Force Drone that Crashed in Libya
An unmanned Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone crashed in the vicinity of Benghazi, Libya, earlier this week, prompting an investigation by US Africa Command, officials confirmed Wednesday. In a statement provided to Military Times, US AFRICOM spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Timothy Pietrack said that the “aircraft was operating in support of U.S. Ambassador and Special Envoy to Libya Richard Norland’s diplomatic engagements” when it crashed. Pietrack added that the aircraft’s operation schedule had already been “coordinated with the appropriate Libyan authorities. … We do not have any further information at this time.” It remains unclear whether the drone crash was the result of enemy fire, though there are reports it was shot down by eastern-based Libyan forces. Read more from Military Times.
Who is Farhat Bengdara, the new chief of Libya’s NOC?
Originally from Benghazi, the stronghold of Khalifa Haftar, NOC Chairman Farhat Bengadra is reputed to be close to Gaddafi’s former military cadre but also to the United Arab Emirates, where he was director of Al Masraf Bank. After having ensured the revival of oil production, the former banker, at the helm of Libya’s National Oil Corporation since 14 July, wants to double the pace. His objective? To go from 1.2 million to 3 million barrels per day. To avoid any confrontation with the Libyan tribes, Bengdara has played his company’s “social responsibility” card. He says he is open to discussion and ready to implement tribal demands in terms of health, environmental and agricultural services. He has reiterated this commitment: “The National Oil Company will remain outside all personal and political rivalries.” Read more from the Africa Report.
USAID and GECOL to Develop an Plan aimed at Stabilizing the National Grid
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced its cooperation with the General Electricity Company in Libya (GECOL) to develop an operational plan aimed at stabilizing the Libyan grid. The plan also aims at aligning the Libyan grid with the Libyan Emergency Network Stabilization Program, as part of an international multi-donor initiative. According to the USAID statement, the plan targets fair and equitable electricity distribution at the municipal level. Electricity will be cut off “fairly” for short and limited periods. As well as negotiations with the top consumers to divide their activity in off-peak hours. Read more from the Libya Observer.
US Court Finds Haftar Liable for War Crimes
A federal US judge issued a default judgment against Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, finding him liable for war crimes against several Libyan families who have accused him of extrajudicial killings and torture. Judge Leonie Brinkema’s judgment, which follows a previous recommendation from a magistrate judge last month, paves the way for the families in three separate civil suits to seek monetary compensation. Following Brinkema’s decision, lawyers for Haftar confirmed that they would be withdrawing as the Libyan commander’s counsel, leaving him without a lawyer going forward. The next step in the legal case is a hearing where the judge will evaluate what kind of compensation package the families should receive. Read more from Middle East Eye.
Ambassador Norland’s Visit to Tripoli
US Special Envoy and Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland visited Tripoli on July 28 and engaged with Libyan counterparts on the importance of maintaining stability and security in light of recent clashes that killed 16 Libyans. The Ambassador highlighted the importance of finalizing consensus on the constitutional basis for presidential and parliamentary elections, as a vital step to establishing full legitimacy for the Libyan government. During the visit, Ambassador Norland met with Vice-President of the Presidential Council Abdallah al-Lafi, GNU Foreign Minister Najla al-Mangoush, and General Mohammed al-Haddad. The Ambassador also met with a small group of NGOs that are working to support HNEC and the electoral process. Read more from the US Embassy.
US Representatives Attend Turkish Meeting on Libya
Ambassador Richard Norland and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Josh Harris represented the US at an international meeting hosted by the Turkish foreign ministry in Istanbul on July 21 to review recent developments in Libya. The US supports efforts to reopen Libyan oil and gas production and stands ready with international partners to support Libyan-led efforts to manage oil revenues in a transparent and accountable way so that all Libyans benefit from their nation’s oil wealth. The United States is closely following court proceedings regarding the NOC and encourages Libyan actors to allow judicial authorities to carry out their duties without interference. The NOC’s independence and apolitical status in recent years is a legacy that should be maintained to sustain Libya’s reputation in the international oil sector. Read more from the US Embassy on Twitter.
Amb Norland Completes Overnight Visit to Tripoli
US Special Envoy and Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland was in Tripoli June 28-29 for meetings focused on US support for moving beyond the transitional phase in Libya to an elected, unified government. During this first overnight visit to Tripoli by a US Amb in several years, Amb Norland met with GNU PM al-Dabaiba, President of the PC Mohamed al-Menfi, along with VPs Moussa al-Kouni and Abdallah al-Lafi, GNU FM Najla al-Mangoush, as well as NOC Chairman Mustafa Sanalla, and HNEC Head Dr. Emad al-Sayeh. Amb Norland said, “The US continues to support the vast majority of Libyans who expect elections and demand that the country’s oil wealth be managed responsibly. While the ceasefire and dialogue have continued, it is alarming that some narrow interests are using the oil sector as a weapon. Read more from the US Embassy in Libya.
British Embassy Opens in Libya
On June 5th, the UK’s Ambassador to Libya, Caroline Hurndall, announced the reopening of the British Embassy in Tripoli after an eight-year hiatus. Amb Hurndall assured Libyans that although the Embassy is based in Tripoli, this move is a demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the whole of the country. In the Ambassador’s opening remarks at the ceremony, she said she is “especially proud that British businesses are collaborating with Libyan companies and having a meaningful impact on Libya’s economic development… If Libya is to fulfill her political and economic potential, Libya’s leaders must continue to implement the October Ceasefire Agreement, work together, and pursue compromise, cooperation, and concord. The people of Libya deserve this,” she concluded. Read more from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.