Libya has been ranked 138th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), dropping one place from 137th in 2025.

The index gives each country a score from 0 to 100, with 100 being the best. Libya scored 40.34 overall, based on five indicators: political context (46.46), economic context (42.46), legal framework (46.32), social context (28.20), and the safety of journalists (38.25). Libya’s weakest areas were the social and security indicators.

The report explains how Libya reached this point. Under Muammar Gaddafi, press freedom was almost non-existent. Since his death in 2011, the country has been stuck in crisis and its media has suffered badly. Most media outlets and journalists have fled, and those who stayed work under the protection of one of the warring sides. Foreign journalists can no longer cover Libya, making the country an “information black hole.”

Despite the 2020 ceasefire, Libya remains split between rival governments in the east and west. Media outlets have taken sides, so journalists must follow the political line of their employers, which spreads disinformation. Young Libyans turn to social media instead, but it has become a space for hate speech and radicalization.

The legal situation makes things worse. No law guarantees freedom of expression, access to information, or journalists’ safety. Some press laws are more than 50 years old, and press offenses can lead to prison. The Anti-Cybercrime Law No. 5-2022 extended these restrictions to the internet, pushing journalists into heavy self-censorship.

Money is also a problem. Private media depend on advertising from businessmen tied to politicians, which weakens their independence. Journalists have no job security and can be fired at any time.

For years, journalists have faced threats, violence, and harassment, usually with total impunity, although the situation has improved somewhat since 2021. Armed factions linked to the authorities have spread fear among journalists and weakened media independence.

Tripoli | Thursday, July 2, 2026

The Head of the Passport, Nationality, and Foreigners Affairs Authority met with the Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with an advisor from the Office of the Minister of State for Prime Ministerial and Cabinet Affairs. The meeting took place at the Authority’s headquarters in the Salah al-Din area.

The two sides discussed ways to improve cooperation and find solutions to problems facing embassies and diplomatic missions in the country.

They also reviewed procedures for the entry and exit of diplomatic staff, and looked at ways to improve the system for issuing electronic protocol visas, in line with legal and protocol standards.

Libya has been elected for the first time to the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) for the 2026–2028 term.

The election took place during the 29th session of the ACAO General Assembly held in Rabat, marking a new step in Libya’s participation in Arab civil aviation institutions.

Through its membership, Libya will take part in developing policies and programs related to civil aviation across the Arab region. The country also secured membership in four technical committees within the organization, focusing on aviation development, regulations, and air navigation safety.

The Minister of Transportation, representing Libya, chaired the ACAO General Assembly session and held discussions with Saudi aviation officials on issues including Hajj flights and the resumption of flights to Libya.

Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah approved new job descriptions for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Libya’s diplomatic missions abroad as part of efforts to improve and reorganize diplomatic work.

The plan, presented by Acting Foreign Minister Taher Al-Baour, aims to clearly define roles and responsibilities, improve the ministry’s performance, and create a unified system for its departments and embassies.

The new structure covers different departments, offices, the Diplomatic Institute, and Libyan embassies abroad. The government said the move is part of its wider administrative reform plan to modernize state institutions and improve public services.