Skip to main content

Benghazi Set to Host Libya’s First Skyscraper

The National Development Authority, key development institution under Eastern region government , has announced plans to build Libya’s first skyscraper in the Jalyana district of Benghazi.

The project is designed to rise 348 meters across 87 floors, classifying it as a supertall skyscraper. It will stand about 18 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower and include six underground parking levels.

Scheduled for completion by 2030, the tower is expected to become the tallest building in Libya and a major landmark in Africa, marking a significant step in the country’s reconstruction and urban development.

Sorman, Authorities Defuse Car Bomb Parked Outside School

The Criminal Investigation Department announced that its officers successfully dismantled a car bomb after discovering a vehicle rigged for remote detonation parked outside a school in the city of Sorman, in western Libya.

According to the department, the vehicle contained five artillery shells and a landmine connected to a remote-controlled detonation circuit. Authorities safely neutralized the explosive device, preventing what could have been a devastating attack. An investigation is underway to identify those responsible.

Libya Reviews Progress on New Ministerial Complex Project

Minister of State for Prime Minister and Cabinet Affairs Mohammed bin Ghalbon chaired a meeting on Wednesday to review progress on the new ministerial complex project and the steps needed to complete and prepare the buildings for operation.

The meeting, attended by government officials and relevant authorities, reviewed the completion of 11 buildings within the complex, the relocation of several ministries and government institutions, and the final plan for distributing government offices across the new facilities.

Participants also approved the start of final architectural works and interior preparations for the completed buildings, instructing that a clear timeline be set to finish the remaining work and ensure the complex is ready to begin operations.

Libya Elected to Arab Civil Aviation Organization Executive Council for the First Time

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.

Libya Approves New Structure for Foreign Ministry to Improve Diplomatic Work

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.

Ben Sharada Warns Against Fuel Subsidy Cuts Without Economic Reforms

High Council of State member Saad Ben Sharada warned that removing fuel subsidies without proper alternatives and economic reforms could create serious social and economic problems in Libya.

Ben Sharada said fuel price increases would likely raise transportation costs and the prices of basic goods, while potentially putting more pressure on the exchange rate and worsening inflation.

He said Libyans support efforts to stop fuel smuggling, but stressed that authorities must first address economic and security challenges before placing additional costs on citizens.

Ben Sharada also highlighted the impact of the liquidity crisis and the lack of reliable public transportation, saying many citizens could struggle to afford fuel. He questioned the details and guarantees of proposed cash compensation programs, and called for clearer solutions.

Regarding fuel imports, he questioned the rise in Libya’s fuel import spending, which increased from around $3 billion annually between 2016 and 2019 to nearly $9 billion in 2024, saying the figures suggest a significant portion of imported fuel may be lost through smuggling.

Libya Introduces Electronic Visa System to Simplify Procedures

The Passports, Nationality and Foreigners Affairs Authority announced the launch of a new electronic visa system through the website (evisa.gov.ly) to make the process of issuing entry visas easier and faster.

The Authority said the new system is part of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah’s plan to expand digital government services, improve the quality of services, and reduce paperwork.

Companies and individuals applying for entry visas for foreign nationals are now required to submit their applications through the electronic platform and follow the approved steps to complete the process and receive the necessary approvals.

Saddam Haftar Meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington

Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces in Eastern and Southern regions, met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington during his official visit to the United States.

The meeting, attended by US Presidential Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos, focused on developments in Libya, the US initiative, and ways to strengthen cooperation between Libya and the United States.

The visit comes just days after Lieutenant General Abdul Salam Al-Zoubi, under secretary of Minister of Defense of the Western Region Government, held meetings with US officials, including Massad Boulos, who has been involved in US efforts to support dialogue and political coordination between Libya’s Eastern and Western authorities.

The meetings reflect continued US engagement with Libyan officials from both regions, focusing on cooperation, stability, and efforts related to Libya’s political process.

Libya Issues New Rules for Foreign Trade Agencies

Libya’s Ministry of Economy and Trade has introduced new regulations under Decision No. 319 of 2026 to govern foreign commercial agencies in the country.

The rules aim to organize licensing procedures, clarify legal requirements, and improve transparency between local companies and foreign businesses operating in Libya.

Officials said the framework is part of wider efforts to modernize trade laws, improve the business environment, and support fair competition.

The move is also expected to boost investor confidence and encourage more foreign companies to enter the Libyan market.

Libyan President Mohamed Al Menfi Appoints New Intelligence Leadership

Libyan President Mohamed Al Menfi has officially appointed Abdulmajid Elmlegta as the new Intelligence Head for the Western Region Government.

He also appointed Abdelshafi Bouzlaa as Deputy Head of the Intelligence Service, responsible for public affairs and external communication.

The decisions are part of ongoing institutional restructuring aimed at strengthening intelligence coordination, media engagement, and external communication channels.