Maghreb Edition

Libya: In sign of reconciliation, Tripoli and Tobruk resume air linkF

Posted On 3 June 2021

Number of times this article was read : 439
Flights have resumed between Libya’s capital Tripoli and the eastern city of Tobruk after a break of several years, as the division-plagued country takes a further step towards normalcy. A flight from Tripoli of Libya’s Buraq Air landed late Wednesday in Tobruk, a centre of power of a parallel administration that until recently controlled the east. Tobruk is also the seat of Libya’s elected national parliament. Airport authorities in Tobruk welcomed the resumption of flights after what they said was a “long interruption”, adding that two flights have been scheduled weekly. Oil-rich Libya has been torn by conflict since the toppling and killing of dictator Moamer Kadhafi a decade ago.
In October, rival camps in the east and west signed a truce, setting in motion a UN-led peace process that saw a new interim unity government installed earlier this year.  The new executive is charged with organising legislative and presidential elections set for December. The ceasefire agreement included the restoring of domestic air and land links, and discussions are underway on reopening east-west roads.
Flights between the eastern city of Benghazi and the western cities of Tripoli and Misrata have also resumed. Most air links were suspended in 2014 as violent conflict engulfed the country.
AFP

Subscribe to Urgent Notifications and Newsletter

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Mali Army, Russian Allies Accused of Executing Civilians Near Mauritania BorderF

Seven Malian refugees traveling from Mauritania were allegedly executed by Malian soldiers and Russian Africa Corps personnel near Ahl El Kory, close to the Mauritanian border, after their vehicles were stopped on March 6. Local sources say the unarmed Fulani civilians were shot or had their throats cut, while other passengers were beaten, questioned as suspected jihadists, then released.

Niger: Armed Attacks Target Military Bases in TahouaF

Armed militants launched coordinated assaults on military facilities in Tahoua, a strategic city in northwestern Niger. The attacks targeted Air Base 401 at the local airport and the headquarters of the 42nd Inter‑Arms Battalion. Nigerien forces repelled both assaults after intense fighting, leaving several soldiers lightly wounded and multiple attackers dead, with five suspects arrested.

Global Energy Markets Jolt as Iran War Disrupts Gulf Oil FlowsF

Oil prices surged toward $119 per barrel as the conflict involving Iran disrupted tanker traffic through the Persian Gulf, forcing several Gulf producers to reduce output and pushing governments to consider emergency energy measures. Saudi Arabia joined Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE in cutting production as shipments stalled and storage capacity tightened. With hundreds of tankers idling near the Strait of Hormuz and major shipping insurers suspending coverage, the crisis is rapidly evolving from a regional military conflict into a global energy shock.

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.