Maghreb Edition

Libya: EU begins Operation IRINI to enforce Libya arms embargoF

Posted On 7 May 2020

Number of times this article was read : 362

Rome, May 7, 2020 – The European Union has launched a delayed naval mission to enforce an arms embargo on Libya, the bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Thursday. Operation IRINI, currently headquartered in Rome, aims to halt the flow of arms into Libya, where the UN-recognised Tripoli government is under attack from the forces of strongman Khalifa. The sea mission began on Monday with the French naval vessel Jean Bart and a maritime patrol aircraft contributed by Luxembourg, the EU said in a statement. “It shows EU commitment to peace in Libya, even at times when member states are battling the coronavirus pandemic,” Borrell said in the statement.

World leaders agreed to uphold the UN embargo at a Berlin peace conference in January. The mission’s launch had been held up for nearly a month by bickering between Italy and Greece over who should hold the command. The EU agreed to rotate the operation’s command between the two countries every six months.

AFP
The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

UAE Regional Influence Under Strain Amid Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Maghreb Frictions✓

Across Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and the Maghreb, the United Arab Emirates is encountering rising diplomatic friction as regional powers push back against policies seen as destabilizing or misaligned with their security interests. The UAE is facing growing tensions involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria, while sustained scrutiny over Sudan and Yemen is reshaping perceptions of Emirati influence.

Algeria Expands Core Infrastructure Investment Across Core Sectors$

Algeria is scaling up investment in core infrastructure as part of a long-term strategy spanning transport, water security, energy, and mining. Backed by multi-billion-dollar allocations in the 2026 state budget, the program targets roads, railways, ports, airports, and large-scale hydraulic projects, alongside major mining developments linked to new logistics corridors.
Authorities frame the effort as both an economic and social priority, aimed at improving service reliability, supporting industrial growth, and reducing regional disparities, particularly in remote southern areas. Several projects rank among the largest of their kind in Africa and reflect a continued reliance on state-led development to address structural challenges

Algerian Supporters Face Charges in Morocco$

At least three Algerian nationals remain in custody in Morocco after traveling to the country to support their national football team during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The detentions stem from separate incidents that Moroccan authorities say violated public order and criminal law during or around match days.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.