| North-Western: During the last reporting period in Libya one of the most significant events was the high profile visit of US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns to Tripoli, he warned that "Libyan rulers should undertake their responsibilities in overcoming the current unrest within a two month period and failure to do this would possibly risk the country being taken over by the international community." Earlier this week the son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and a group of past government officials took to the stand either in person or via video link in a Tripoli court on Sunday to face individual charges ranging from war crimes to mass corruption in a major test of the state's commitment to the rule of law. The current Libyan Prime Minister Al-Thinni stated within the last week that the recent high profile kidnapped Jordanian Ambassador and two other Tunisian diplomats are apparently in good health and also stated that efforts are currently underway in order to secure their release. Positive news reported within the last week is that British Airways resumed flights into Tripoli International Airport on Monday 28 April, In addition to a number of other international airlines which cancelled services into Tripoli International Airport in late March due to security concerns.
Eastern: Significantly the eastern oil port of Zueitina, which has been extensively occupied by rebels as part of an ongoing eight-month oil blockade will reportedly reopen after the damage at its facilities has been assessed, this information was recently released by the country's justice minister. The reopening of four oil export terminal has been delayed with the rebels accusing the government of not fulfilling all parts of the deal. Under the agreement the rebels will be reintegrated in a state oil security force from which they defected last summer when they occupied ports to press for a share of oil exports. The daily occurrence of violence has continued in Benghazi with the recent discovery of the body of a murdered woman. A significant IED blast shook the entrance to the Special Forces base camp in Benghazi on the morning of 29th April with reports of several injuries.
Southern: Remains unstable with on-going tribal fights and issues with the border controls. AQIM have free passage through most of this region and still maintain family connections with some of the Tuareg tribes. There have been reports that more armed groups have mobilised around oil fields and other energy installations. Rival forces in the south are continually sporadically fighting, which the Islamist militants continue to exploit to their advantage, and gaining a stronger hold in the southern areas due to weak government control.
SNE assesses that travel to Libya is still possible but advises that stringent security and travel management plans are in place. An itinerary specific pre-travel risk assessment including mitigation measures are recommended. Travel to desert and border areas, between cities and major urban centres including Benghazi and many other hot spots in the eastern region of the country will require additional security support. In-country personnel should be confident in their evacuation procedures and crisis management plans. Crime remains one of the biggest risks to foreign personnel operating on the ground and the risk is assessed to be at its highest in outlying areas of the cities, particularly after last light when travel is not recommended. SNE can assist clients with pre entry risk assessments, on the ground physical support, safe discreet transportation, accommodation/business centre and risk management services throughout the region with villas and offices in both Tripoli & Benghazi. |
Sign-up to receive email updates on the latest news and developments.