Libya Political Risk Report (October 17)

Big Picture Outlook

Renewed international efforts to stabilize Libya are running into the same political theatrics and obfuscation that have hampered past initiatives.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya’s (UNSMIL) new political roadmap is already facing delays before it even begins, as UNSMIL head Hanna Tetteh warns that the mission will consider other approaches if Libyan politicians do not cooperate.

Eastern Libya recently hosted an international friendly in Benghazi and local reconciliation efforts led by the Libyan National Army (LNA). Meanwhile, Libyans across the country rushed to banks to withdraw cash as a liquidity panic began, and the United States announced that it would hold a major military exercise in Libya next year.

Key Highlights

• United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) head Hanna Tetteh briefed the UN Security Council, warning that Libya’s political factions were struggling to complete the first milestones on UNSMIL’s new political roadmap.
• Commercial banks across Libya saw surging demand for cash withdrawals following the Central Bank of Libya’s (CBL) recent de-circulation of 47 billion dinars of currency.
• The European football clubs Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid played an international friendly at Benghazi International Stadium. The event was hosted by the Development and Reconstruction Fund.
• Deputy Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Saddam Haftar, met with local tribal leaders in the Murada region and praised efforts to achieve national reconciliation.
• AFRICOM Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. John Brennan and Chargé d’Affaires Jeremy Berndt announced that Libya would host the U.S.-led Flintlock 2026 special forces exercises.
• Clashes in Zawiya between two local groups led to the death of a child, whose home was accidentally hit by live ammunition due to the fighting.
• The High Council of State and the House of Representatives agreed to eventually complete the process of appointing a new HNEC board.