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Libya: The Strange Case of Hannibal Gaddafi: From Exile to Detention to Release
Hannibal Gaddafi, son of Libya’s former dictator Muammar Gaddafi, was released from a Lebanese prison in November 2025 after nearly ten years in detention. Gaddafi was originally kidnapped from Syria in 2015 by militants seeking information about the 1978 disappearance of Lebanese cleric Musa al-Sadr—a case that has strained Libya–Lebanon relations for decades.
Libya: NOC Expands Exploration as Libya Targets 1.6 Million Barrels by 2026
Libya’s energy sector is gaining momentum as Sonatrach and other major players resume exploration and drilling across the Ghadames Basin. Recent activity includes Sonatrach’s return after a decade-long halt, new exploratory wells by the National Oil Corporation, and successful deep-layer production tests by Zueitina Oil Company.
Washington Returns to Libya’s Frontlines in Bid to Counter Russia and Reunify Militias
The United States is reengaging in Libya through Flintlock 2026, a major U.S. Africa Command exercise set for next spring near Sirte. The training will bring together Libya’s rival eastern and western forces for the first time since 2011, signaling a renewed American role in efforts to unify the country’s military, counter extremist threats, and curb Russian influence in North Africa.
Libya’s Path to Stability: Still Blocked by Fragmentation and Armed Rivalries
Libya ends 2025 still divided between rival governments and dominated by militias. Clashes, rights abuses, and stalled reforms keep the security outlook fragile. Limited local elections show resilience, but lasting stability depends on unified institutions and accountability.
Depression: Tunisia, Morocco, and Libya Among Africa’s Highest Prevalence Countries
North Africa has some of Africa’s highest depression rates: Tunisia (7.57%), Morocco (6.54%), and Libya (5.72%) all rank in the continent’s top ten according to The African Exponent (2025). Persistent economic challenges, unemployment, and regional instability have driven a surge in mental health issues—particularly among youth—with many cases still untreated due to social stigma and gaps in health services.
The Brutal Downfall of Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in prison and fined €100,000 for conspiracy in the alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 campaign. The Paris court’s ruling, immediately enforceable, marks Sarkozy’s second prison sentence and further diminishes prospects of a political comeback.
Libya’s Fragile Peace Shaken Again by Local Violence
Tensions are flaring again in Libya, from deadly street battles in Tripoli’s suburbs to violent protests in Sabratha. The killing of a well-known militia leader and the death of a police officer days apart reveal a deeper unraveling—where everyday disputes turn into...
Libya in Perpetual Crisis: How Khalifa Haftar Is Gaining Ground Amid Institutional Collapse
As Libya’s political divide deepens and foreign actors recalibrate their alliances, Khalifa Haftar is emerging as the country’s dominant power broker, leveraging military strength and international diplomacy amid institutional collapse and the rise of financial crimes.
U.S. Trade Policy Is Accelerating China–North Africa Economic and Defense Engagement
U.S. trade tariffs are accelerating China’s push into developing economies, with North Africa emerging as a key frontier.
Libya’s Oil Ambitions Undermined by Governance Gridlock
Libya’s energy sector is booming with foreign investment, but political fragmentation and economic instability threaten to derail long-term progress.
Libya: Eni Leads Charge in Libya’s Energy Revival
Eni leads a surge of investment in Libya’s energy sector, fueling growth through offshore drilling and revitalized industrial facilities.
The Maghreb’s Response to U.S. Tariffs and Rising Chinese Influence
U.S. tariffs have not yet affected consumer spending in the Maghreb, but as the tariffs are sending shockwaves through global trade—North Africa is not insulated.
Libya Refutes ‘Best Option’ Claim for Gaza Displacement
Libya has firmly rejected reports suggesting it as a potential destination for resettling Gaza residents, calling the claims baseless.
As West Retreats, China’s Offensive in Libya Gains Momentum
China and Libya have been working to deepen economic and diplomatic ties, positioning Libya as a key partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative while boosting infrastructure, trade, and energy cooperation.
EU Report Accuses Tunisia of Migrant Trafficking to Libya
A report presented to the European Parliament accuses Tunisia of deporting sub-Saharan migrants and selling them to Libyan armed groups.
Libya’s fragmented military and competition for its control
While the world is focused on the crises in the Middle East and Ukraine, a power struggle continues to destabilize Libya, with protagonists competing for the control of the armed forces. Three factions are now at the center of an ongoing struggle over the fate of the...
Libya: As Crises Pile, Libya has no Clear Path to Stability
Libya is back in the news again, and it is not good news. At the center of it all, once again, are the two types of power struggles we are witnessing. On the one hand, there is a permanent conflict between Libya's rival governments, and on the other hand, there is an...
Libya: The Haftar family seeks to impose dynastic rule on Libya
By Arezki Daoud: If you were born in 1990, you are now 34 years old. This means in 2011 you just turned 21 and unless you were born interested in global politics, you probably don’t even know who Muamar Gaddafi is. Let me give you a two-to three-minute background....
Libya’s Abnormal New Normal
By Arezki Daoud: Since 2011, Libya has been engulfed in a bloody civil war after the death of Muammar Gaddafi. Over the years, it was easy to identify the problem: too many foreign regional players and global powers meddling in Libya’s affairs, explicitly or...
Profile: The Controversial Legacy of Saddam Haftar: A Portrait of Corruption and Abuse
By Arezki Daoud: Khalifa Haftar, the powerful figure dominating eastern Libya, has orchestrated a regime where his sons wield significant political and military influence. Among them, Saddam Haftar emerges as a central figure, widely perceived as his father's heir...
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