- Politics & Governance
Libya Political Risk Report (Jan 16, 2026)
This report covers political and security updates in Libya between December 19, 2025 - January 15, 2026. Clients can download the full report at the end of the page.
Big-Picture Outlook
This report not only covers this week's stories, but highlights some of the major stories in Libya since mid-December 2025. The economy continues to be a main concern for Libyan politicians and the public as the dinar continues to lose value on the black market.
Security continues to be a prime issue, with the death of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Military Chief of Staff Mohammed al-Haddad, and the shocking capture of a Libyan civilian in Chad. Libya’s politicians and bureaucrats continue to deflect blame as the country's temporary institutions continue to struggle.
Key Highlights
- Civilians in the city of Misrata protested against both the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli and the Government of National Stability (GNS) in Benghazi, and many denounced the corruption of GNU Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba’s administration.
- A plane carrying GNU Military Chief of Staff Mohammed al-Haddad crashed shortly after taking off from Ankara on 23 December, leading to his death, as well as the deaths of 4 other security officers and the flight crew.
- Video circulated on Libyan social media of a Libyan truck driver being captured and beaten by unknown armed men in Chad, triggering a wave of public anger.
- GNU Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba announced on social media that he had undergone a successful medical operation, and that he would continue to carry out his duties.
- The Libyan dinar reached a black market value of 9 LYD to 1 USD, the lowest it has been since 2017.
- Governor of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) Naji Issa failed to appear before the House of Representatives (HoR) after they officially summoned him to brief them on the current state of the Libyan economy.
- The HoR voted to fill in vacant seats on the High National Election Commission (HNEC) as well as voted to approve a budget for the body.
- High Council of State (HCS) head Mohammed Takala denounced the HoR vote, after which the HCS voted to appoint new members to the HNEC board and replace current HNEC head Emad al-Sayeh with Salah al-Kumishi.
