Weekly Bulletin – 26 July 2024
This post is also available in:
Arabic
Representatives give confidence to Madbouly's government and approve its work programme
The Egyptian House of Representatives approved granting confidence to Mustafa Madbouly’s government and its work program. The economic file is one of the most challenging issues facing Madbouly’s second government, especially since it will work on implementing presidential directives related to improving the level of services, enhancing investment, and encouraging the private sector to participate in all economic activities. Prime Minister Dr. Mustafa Madbouly submitted the government’s resignation to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Monday, June 3rd. President El-Sisi then tasked him with forming a new government of highly competent and capable individuals, aiming to achieve several goals, foremost among them maintaining the parameters of Egyptian national security in light of regional and international challenges. The priorities also include building Egyptian human capital, particularly in health and education, continuing efforts to develop political participation, ensuring security and stability, combating terrorism to strengthen what has been achieved in this regard, and developing cultural and national awareness files along with a moderate religious discourse that solidifies concepts of citizenship and social peace.
“Constructive statement and subject of expression”: Majority representatives attack MP Mohamed Ezzat Arafat because of his opinion on the government’s program statement
A heated verbal altercation occurred during the Egyptian parliament session while discussing the government’s program. This altercation arose following comments by MP Mohamed Ezzat Arafat on the government’s program. The dispute erupted between members of the majority party, Future of the Nation, and MP Arafat after he described the government’s statement as “an essay and a composition.” The majority MPs reacted with severe anger, objections, and raised voices in the chamber, causing a disruption that lasted for more than 10 minutes. Several majority members stood up and confronted the MP, prompting the majority leader, MP Abdel Hadi Al-Qasabi, to intervene. He stated, “What happened in the chamber and what the MP said was a reaction because Egypt is in circumstances that cannot tolerate such gestures and remarks. As MPs, we must feel responsible for the state at a time when all parties are open against the Egyptian state. We must demand the implementation of the regulations against anyone who insults the majority. To preserve the significance of this historic session, I request to delete the MP’s words from the record.” The members agreed to delete the MP’s comments from the record.
After opening financial appropriations: The government pledges to end the drug crisis within 3 months
The Egyptian government pledged to resolve the medicine shortage crisis within three months. The Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, announced a breakthrough in the crisis by providing certain types of medicine after the Central Bank of Egypt opened financial credits, albeit with new medicine prices. The government faced two choices: either to increase medicine prices by 20-30% ensuring availability or to keep prices as they were and continue the shortage crisis. The government allocated $100 million monthly to avoid a medicine shortage crisis. The dollar crisis the country experienced made it difficult to provide $350 million monthly from the Central Bank for pharmaceutical companies. Egypt produces about 91% of its medicine needs locally, while 9% is imported, with the cost of imported medicine accounting for 34% of the total monthly medicine costs. The Egyptian pharmaceutical market is currently facing a shortage of dozens of types, especially chronic disease medications, exacerbating the burdens on the elderly and chronic disease patients. Egyptians’ purchases of pharmacy-sold drugs amounted to EGP 142.7 billion from September 2022 to September 2023, an increase of more than 18%, according to IQVIA data on the Egyptian pharmaceutical market.
A new step towards reducing fuel subsidies: increasing the prices of some fuels by up to 15%
The Egyptian government announced increases in the prices of a wide range of fuel types by up to 15%, in the latest step to reduce government subsidies for fuel after signing a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The government published the new prices in the official gazette, including a 15% increase in diesel prices from EGP 10 to EGP 11.5 (USD 0.24) per liter, an increase in 80-octane gasoline prices from EGP 11 to EGP 12.25 per liter (11.4% increase), 92-octane gasoline from EGP 12.5 to EGP 13.75 per liter (10% increase), and 95-octane gasoline from EGP 13.5 to EGP 15 per liter (11.1% increase). The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum stated that it maintained the prices of fuel used in electricity production and food industries, such as diesel used in bakeries, unchanged. This decision comes ahead of the IMF meeting scheduled for July 29 to discuss the third review results of Egypt’s economic program to approve the disbursement of a new loan installment worth USD 820 million for Cairo.
Al-Sisi lifts the status of public benefit from these public properties and transfers their ownership to the Ministry of Finance
President El-Sisi issued Decree No. 290 of 2024 to remove the public utility status from some public state properties and transfer the ownership of the following properties to the Ministry of Finance (the state treasury) to be recorded in its books as private state assets:
- The land and building of the Security Forces Administration in the Red Sea Governorate, approximately 63,193.5 m².
- The land and building of the Assiut Security Directorate in the Assiut Governorate, approximately 51,818 m².
- The land and building of the Luxor Security Directorate in the Luxor Governorate, approximately 60,404 m².
- The land and building of the Beni Suef Security Directorate in the Beni Suef Governorate, approximately 4,472.83 m².
- The land previously allocated by the Prime Minister’s Decree No. 1898 of 2015, approximately 28,215 m².
- The land and building of the Aswan Security Directorate in the Aswan Governorate, approximately 1,282 m².
- The land of Qena Prison in the Qena Governorate, approximately 21,847 m².
- The land of Assiut Prison in the Assiut Governorate, approximately 45,409 m².
- The land of the Marj Prison in the Qalyubia Governorate, approximately 283,147.6 m².
The Prime Minister will determine the disposal methods and investment purposes of the lands, properties, sites, and facilities mentioned above, based on a proposal from the Minister of Finance after consulting the New Urban Communities Authority, and in coordination with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones to include these assets in Egypt’s investment map.
Annual report of the “Stop the Death Penalty” campaign: 454 death sentences during 2023
The campaign “Stop the Death Penalty in Egypt” released its monitoring report “The Road to the Gallows,” a descriptive statistical report regarding the count of death penalty cases during the period from January 2023 to December 2023. The report provides descriptive statistics and analysis of data and figures related to judicial rulings issued in felony cases that carry the death penalty for perpetrators during the period from January 2023 to December 2023. The statistical report recorded 454 death penalty rulings at various stages of trials for different criminal cases during this period. Among them, 124 convicts had their case papers referred to the Grand Mufti of Egypt, while 297 individuals faced death sentences issued by first-instance criminal courts. The criminal chambers of the Court of Cassation upheld 25 death sentences. Regarding the death sentences that were executed, the report recorded 8 cases where the death penalty was carried out on the defendants during 2023.
Condemnations continue regarding the Egyptian authorities’ detention of Sudanese refugee Othman Hussein Yaqoub Mansour
A group of human rights organizations condemned the Egyptian authorities for arresting and detaining Sudanese refugee and community leader Othman Hussein Yaqoub Mansour, director of the African Vision Center for Sudanese Education in 6th of October City, on Monday, July 1. They denounced his enforced disappearance and forced signing of a declaration that his deportation from Egypt was voluntary. These actions, including arrest, detention, threat of deportation, and initiating deportation procedures in cooperation with the Sudanese embassy, against a refugee registered with the UNHCR and recognized as a refugee, are clear and blatant violations of international obligations and the Egyptian constitution. The Egyptian authorities must release him now and ensure his protection. Othman Hussein Yaqoub Mansour has been registered with the UNHCR in Egypt since 2013 and was granted refugee status in October 2023. He holds a valid card until the end of August. He has not been charged with any criminal offenses during his stay in Egypt, and his activities have been limited to officially educating children.
The deteriorating health condition of the former spokesman for the April 6 Movement, Mohamed Adel, and his wife demand his release before it is too late
Rafida Hamdi, the wife of former spokesperson for the April 6 Youth Movement, Mohamed Adel, stated that her husband’s health condition is deteriorating due to his detention conditions. She called for his release before his condition becomes untreatable. Adel has been diagnosed with knee effusion, inflammation of its posterior ligament, atrophy in one of the shoulder muscles, and weak ligaments. The recent diagnosis came after a doctor at Damietta General Hospital insisted on examining Adel, despite attempts by the prison administration to have the doctor rely only on prison doctors’ reports, which previously confirmed Adel’s stable health condition.
After his disappearance for 6 days, journalist Khaled Mamdouh was imprisoned for 15 days on charges of spreading false news and joining a terrorist group.
The Supreme State Security Prosecution decided to detain journalist Khaled Mamdouh for 15 days pending an investigation into one of the cases related to publishing false news. This decision came six days after his enforced disappearance, following the raid on his home and his arrest last Tuesday. The prosecution included Mamdouh in case number 1282 of 2024, listing him with charges of joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes, committing one of the crimes of financing a terrorist group, and publishing and broadcasting false news and statements that could harm security and public order.
Cartoonist Ashraf Omar was suspended and imprisoned for 15 days pending investigation
The independent Egyptian news site “AL Manassa” announced that security authorities detained cartoonist Ashraf Omar, who works for them, and took him to an unknown location. The head of the Journalists’ Syndicate, Khaled El-Balshy, called for his release. “AL Manassa” reported, quoting Omar’s wife, Nada Magheeth, that a civilian-clad security force raided their residence in Gardens of October (west of Cairo), arrested him at 1:30 AM on Monday, and took him to an unknown location. Lawyer Khaled Ali stated that Ashraf Omar appeared at the Supreme State Security Prosecution in Fifth Settlement, Egypt, and the prosecution decided to detain him for 15 days pending investigations.
79 defendants were released pending investigations on charges of spreading false news
The relevant authorities decided to release 79 defendants on bail, pending investigations conducted by the Public Prosecution, in accusations of publishing false news that could disturb public peace. They were charged with committing crimes of publishing false news that could threaten public peace, calling for the suspension of the constitution and laws, and preventing state institutions and public authorities from carrying out their duties.
The National Dialogue devotes sessions to discuss the issue of pretrial detention
The National Dialogue held specialized sessions to discuss the issue of pretrial detention and the rules regulating it, considering it an integral part of the National Human Rights Strategy. The session was titled “Pretrial Detention and Social Justice,” continuing the National Dialogue’s strong and ongoing commitment to human rights issues in Egypt, including the rules regulating pretrial detention, as it is a matter related to prioritizing national work in the upcoming stage.
Egypt welcomes the opinion of the International Court of Justice
Egypt welcomed, in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of Israeli policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. The opinion confirmed several points, the most important of which is the illegality of the continued Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, as it violates the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and breaches the principle of non-acquisition of territory by force. Israel must end this illegal occupation as soon as possible, halt any new settlement activities immediately, evacuate all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and compensate for the material and moral damages resulting from its illegal policies and practices. Egypt also welcomed the opinion’s affirmation of the commitment of all states, international organizations, and institutions, including the United Nations, not to recognize the situation resulting from the Israeli occupation in the occupied Palestinian territories. It called on the General Assembly and the Security Council to take the necessary measures to end this Israeli presence and urged all international parties to respect and implement the court’s advisory opinion, help the Palestinian people exercise their legitimate right to self-determination, and work to end the humanitarian suffering they are subjected to, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all states in ending this suffering.
An Israeli delegation heads to Cairo to move towards a ceasefire
A Hebrew report revealed that Tel Aviv informed Egypt that an Israeli delegation would arrive in Cairo, and Egyptian officials expected Tel Aviv to respond positively, allowing progress towards a ceasefire agreement. The newspaper “Israel Hayom” reported that Tel Aviv informed Egypt that an Israeli delegation would arrive in Cairo, and Egyptian officials expected positive responses from the Israelis, allowing for progress towards a ceasefire agreement. However, contentious issues that remain include the withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah crossing. A senior Egyptian official told Egyptian media that there is no agreement between Israel and Egypt on the Philadelphi Corridor issue yet, as Cairo insists on a complete withdrawal from it.
To resist Ethiopian penetration: Somalia officially agrees to a joint defense agreement with Egypt
Somalia officially announced its approval of a joint defense agreement with the Arab Republic of Egypt. This appears to counter Ethiopian moves to penetrate Somalia to establish a maritime outlet on the Red Sea through the Somaliland region. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had previously signed an agreement with Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi, granting Ethiopia, a landlocked country, a 20 km outlet on the Red Sea, including the Berbera port and a military base, for 50 years in exchange for Addis Ababa officially recognizing Somaliland as an independent republic.
The Media Regulatory Council renews its request for encrypted digital and satellite platforms to expedite the adjustment of their conditions before next September.
The Supreme Council for Media Regulation renewed its call for digital platforms and encrypted satellite channels that have not yet adjusted their status to comply with the specified deadline, which ends in September, to ensure citizens’ rights, improve the media environment in Egypt, and enhance investments in the Egyptian market. Digital platforms and satellite channels are given a deadline until September to adjust their status and obtain the necessary licenses to operate legally and in an organized manner, in accordance with the laws and media codes that regulate their work. Failure to comply with the specified deadline will result in legal action against these platforms to ensure community protection from harmful content and achieve transparency in monitoring and controlling media content.
From the Southernmost Point of Tunisia: Saied Announces His Candidacy for the Presidency
Kais Saied announced his candidacy for the Tunisian presidential elections on July 19, delivering a speech from Borj El Khadhra, a village in the Ramada delegation of Tataouine Governorate, the southeasternmost point of the Tunisian Republic. He stated, “If I had been given a choice, I would not have chosen, but when sacred national duty calls, there is no room for hesitation, and the only response is to say I have answered and complied. From Borj El Khadhra, I officially announce my candidacy in the presidential elections to continue the struggle in the national liberation battle. I urge everyone to beware of all forms of infiltration and deceit. Some have had their masks fall off, and others will certainly follow in the coming days. I urge them not to accept a single penny from any source. Anyone who accepts even a single penny is disowned by me until the Day of Judgment. I chose Borj El Khadhra because it exudes the scent of struggle and stands as a symbol of resilience, strength, and majesty. I chose this place to affirm that Tunisia is a unified state from the northernmost point to the southernmost point and will remain united.
In His Speech on Republic Day, the President Talks About Traitors' Involvement in Masonic Lodges
In a speech on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of Republic Day on Thursday, July 25, 2024, President Kais Saied stated that what has happened in Tunisia since 2021 has not happened in any other country. This is due to relying on oneself and rejecting any external prescriptions from institutions that thought they were guardians of Tunisia. He condemned any foreign intervention, likening it to the curse of Abu Lahab. He spoke about ‘treachery and falling into the arms of Zionism and involvement in Masonic lodges in Tunisia.’ He acknowledged the heavy legacy and the extent of the destruction, but he emphasized that dismantling corruption networks, holding criminals accountable, and restoring legitimate rights to the poor and impoverished are goals that will be achieved. This is what the people want, and they will achieve what they desire. Some may say there is slowness or delay, but in reality, it is caution and concern for social peace and national security in Tunisia.
After an Inspection Tour of Some Tunisian Dams, the President Discovers Criminal Networks Behind Water Cuts in Some Areas
President Kais Saied visited the Nebhana Dam in Kairouan Governorate on the morning of Tuesday, July 23, 2024, to inspect its condition. He noted that it had not been maintained since 1969, rendering it out of service, and pointed out the presence of criminal networks damaging water distribution pipes. He then visited the Menzel Harb delegation in Monastir Governorate, where the area and neighboring regions have experienced frequent water cuts in recent times. He asserted that these systematic and planned water cuts are a crime against the people, affecting national security, and that those who planned and executed these criminal acts must be held accountable. Water is available, but the networks are being sabotaged, and electricity is also being cut in many areas, which is abnormal. It indicates that there is an operation room working to deprive and torment the citizen, and what is happening is part of an electoral campaign by lobbies within the administration, with the responsibility later being placed on the President. On July 22, the President made an unannounced visit to the Fernana delegation in Jendouba Governorate to examine the water resources in the region, which is a reservoir for water in Tunisia due to the numerous water storage dams. He stated that the state would not stand idly by in the face of those who plotted and executed these heinous crimes, depriving citizens of their basic rights, even a drop of water.
Presidential Decree on the Deployment of an Air Transport Military Unit in the Central African Republic
The Official Gazette of the Tunisian Republic published decree number 440, dated July 18, 2024, concerning the deployment of an air transport military unit in the Central African Republic under the United Nations flag. According to the first article of this decree, the military unit consists of 75 Tunisian soldiers who will be deployed as part of the support for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The decree sets the duration of the military unit’s deployment to one year, starting from July 1 of the current year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year. The military unit will be tasked with air transport missions for personnel and equipment within the framework of this UN mission’s mandate. In March of the past year, the Official Gazette published two decrees: the first extended the deployment of a rapid intervention unit in the Central African Republic under the UN flag, while the second extended the deployment of a light infantry battalion in the same country under the UN flag. This mission began in April 2022 and consists of 450 Tunisian soldiers.
House of People's Representatives Holds a General Session to Approve Two Loans Worth 220 Million Euros
The House of People’s Representatives held a general session to approve two loans worth 220 million euros. The first loan is to support the budget, and the second is to create a financing line for small and medium-sized enterprises to revitalize the economy. At the beginning of its session, the council reviewed a draft law concerning the approval of a financing agreement signed on March 18 between the Tunisian Republic and the European Investment Bank regarding a loan granted to Tunisia to contribute to the creation of a financing line for small and medium-sized enterprises to stimulate economic recovery. The loan amount is 170 million euros, a direct loan to the Tunisian state with favorable repayment terms of 10 years, including a 3-year grace period. The re-lending of this amount will be done to financial institutions, including at least five banks and two financial leasing companies. The second project, which the general assembly of parliament will review next Tuesday, concerns a draft law on approving a loan agreement signed on April 17 between the Tunisian government and the Italian government for a program to support the state’s general budget.
Due to Suspicions in the Registration of Lawyers: A Committee Formed to Review Files
The Council of the National Bar Association of Tunisia decided to form a committee chaired by Dean Hatem Mezough to verify the compliance of the practice of the profession with the register held by the association and review the validity of registrations in light of the files submitted to the office. The committee is tasked with undertaking all necessary procedures to ensure adherence to the law governing the representation of lawyers in public institutions and sending the necessary correspondences to enforce the law and address any violations.
Tunisian Security Foils Assassination Attempt on Dbeibah's Adviser
The Libyan Ministry of Interior announced that Tunisian authorities had arrested the suspects involved in the assassination attempt on Abdel Majid Malekta, an adviser to the Libyan Prime Minister of the National Unity Government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. The Libyan Attorney General’s Office had previously announced that an assassination attempt targeting Malekta with a car bomb near the third ring road in Tripoli had been thwarted. According to details of the operation, the Libyan Ministry of Interior reported that the suspects, four individuals, fled to Tunisian territory after committing their crime. Coordination with Tunisian authorities through the Arab and International Criminal Police Office led to their arrest in Tunisia. The ministry also mentioned that an agreement was reached with Tunisian authorities to hand over the suspects to Libyan authorities and bring them to the Attorney General’s Office.
Democratic Forces Forum to Challenge the Decision on Presidential Candidacy Conditions Before Administrative Court
The Democratic Forces Forum announced in a statement that it intends to challenge the regulatory decision of the Independent High Authority for Elections concerning the criteria and conditions for candidacy in the presidential elections before the administrative court due to its fundamental flaws. The forum considered that the issuance of the presidential decree calling voters to the presidential elections comes in a political context characterized by closure and the setting of election criteria and conditions tailored to specific interests. The forum noted that the electoral environment does not permit the conduct of elections that meet the expectations of Tunisians, given several indicators, including the delay in issuing the election call and the stringent conditions regarding popular endorsement criteria or referral to parliamentary endorsements or the requirement for a criminal record certificate.
Without Summons or Hearing: Journalist Walid Al-Majri Sentenced in Absentia to Prison
The National Union of Tunisian Journalists condemned the issuance of an in absentia prison sentence since January 2023 against Walid Al-Majri, the director of the investigative journalism site “Al-Kateba,” for one year. The union stated in a released statement that it learned of this ruling at the beginning of this week and that Al-Majri had not received any official summons to appear in court. The ruling stems from a complaint filed by the State Litigation Office on behalf of the Ministry of Interior since 2017. The public prosecutor at the Tunis Primary Court charged the journalist with “offending the president” and “disturbing others via public communication networks.” The union condemned the judiciary’s practice of issuing in absentia rulings against journalists and media institutions, especially when the complainant is an official entity. They highlighted that such freedom-restricting and absentee judgments against journalists represent a persistent effort to undermine press freedom. They further emphasized that these judgments, which have been noted on several occasions, show the judicial system’s failure to provide the right to defense in all cases and the denial of the individuals’ right to defend themselves to avoid freedom-restricting sentences and travel bans without their knowledge. The union called on the state to assume its responsibility in upholding the right to defense and addressing procedural violations related to court attendance.
Journalist Union Leader: Unprecedented Situation in the Sector
Journalist Union leader Ziad Al-Dabbar expressed his dismay at the continued imprisonment of journalists for expressing their opinions and performing their duties. During a solidarity meeting titled “Press Freedom between Imprisoning Journalists and the Absence of Fair Trial Guarantees,” he stated that the current state of the sector is unprecedented, especially following the issuance of in absentia sentences against journalists who never received investigation summons and did not enjoy their right to a fair trial. He called on the authorities to review their handling of journalists’ cases, particularly as the country approaches an important electoral milestone that requires open freedoms and a clear political climate. Regarding the presidential pardon granted to some detainees for their posts, the union leader denied that the journalist union or the imprisoned journalists’ lawyers had any information on whether their clients benefited from this pardon. He reiterated the union’s commitment to defending its members by all peaceful means available under the constitution.
Eight Months in Prison for Lotfi Al-Meraihi, Lifetime Ban from Running for Office
The Criminal Chamber of the Tunis Primary Court sentenced Lotfi Al-Meraihi, the president of the Republican People’s Union, to eight months in prison and a lifetime ban from running for office on charges related to offering financial incentives to influence voters. Al-Meraihi’s lawyer, Omar Ismail, stated that they would appeal the ruling.
Cases of Bsais and Zaghidi: Appeal Hearing Dates Announced
The Tunis Court of Appeal has scheduled a session for July 26, 2024, to hear appeals against the initial rulings sentencing media personality Borhane Bsais to one year in prison. Another session has been scheduled for July 30, 2024, for media personality Mourad Zaghidi. The initial rulings sentenced both Bsais and Zaghidi to one year in prison, calculated as six months for each of the two cases against them. The public prosecutor at the Tunis Primary Court issued arrest warrants against both and referred them to the Criminal Council. They were tried on charges related to the use of information and communication systems to produce, promote, transmit, and prepare false news and rumors to attack others’ rights, as well as using information systems to disseminate news that falsely attributed non-existent facts to defame others under Decree 54. Bsais and Zaghidi were sentenced to six months for each case.
Tunisia Demands Immediate End to Genocide Against Palestinians at Security Council
Tunisian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tarek Al-Adab, demanded the immediate cessation of war crimes and genocide against the Palestinian people and the accountability of the occupying forces for all the massacres committed, free from political calculations and double standards. He called for ending the occupation as the root cause of these repeated crimes and violations in Tunisia’s address to the Security Council during a special session on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue, held on July 17 and 19, 2024, under the chairmanship of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country presides over the council this month. The ambassador reaffirmed Tunisia’s steadfast and principled support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate, inalienable rights, primarily their right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent, fully sovereign state on all Palestinian land with Jerusalem as its capital.
Six-Month Prison Sentence for Former MP Iyad Al-Loumi Over Donations to Influence Voters
The Criminal Chamber of the Ariana Primary Court sentenced former MP Iyad Al-Loumi to six months in prison and a fine of 1,000 dinars on charges of providing cash and in-kind donations to influence voters. The public prosecutor at the Ariana Primary Court had issued an arrest warrant against Al-Loumi last week following his detention by a National Guard unit based on a search warrant issued against him due to a complaint filed by the Independent High Authority for Elections. The complaint accused Al-Loumi, as a campaign member for Nabil Karoui during his 2019 presidential bid, of offering donations to influence voters.
Arrest Warrant Issued for Ennahda Movement's Secretary-General Ajmi Al-Warimi
The first investigating judge at the Judicial Counter-Terrorism Division issued an arrest warrant against Ennahda Movement’s Secretary-General Ajmi Al-Warimi. The public prosecutor at the Counter-Terrorism Division had ordered the detention of Al-Warimi and Ennahda leader Mohamed Al-Ghannoudi following their arrest by the National Guard’s Research and Investigation Unit in Tibarba. They were apprehended in a vehicle in the vicinity of Borj Al-Amri along with a civil society activist wanted by the Counter-Terrorism Division.
"Solidarity Ship" for Gaza Residents Docks at Damietta Port, Egypt
The Tunisian humanitarian aid ship docked at Egypt’s Damietta port on the morning of Thursday, July 25, after setting sail last Monday from Rades port in Tunisia, loaded with aid for Gaza residents. The ship was loaded with medical and food aid worth 12 million dinars for the Palestinian people in Gaza, according to the Tunisian Red Crescent president. The aid included 1,609 tons of medical and food supplies, two ambulances, four mobile basic health care units, 19 water tanks, a mobile dialysis center, medicines, food aid, and blankets. The ship’s cargo will later be unloaded onto trucks for overland transport to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing, in coordination with the Egyptian authorities and the Egyptian Red Crescent.
Tunisia Welcomes "Historic" Opinion Issued by International Court of Justice
Tunisia welcomed the historic opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on July 19, 2024, following a request from the United Nations General Assembly regarding the legal consequences of Israeli policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories. The opinion declared the continued presence of the occupying power in Palestinian territories illegal and called for the cessation of new settlement activities and the immediate evacuation of settlements. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tunisia considered that this opinion from the highest judicial body highlights the severity of Israeli violations of international law and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. It challenges the international community’s commitment to upholding the supremacy of international law and applying its rules without exception or double standards. Tunisia called on all UN member states to fulfill their legal and moral obligations by adhering to the court’s decision, not recognizing the legitimacy of the occupation, and refraining from providing any support for its continuation, consistent with the advisory opinion of the court.
The UN Mission Encourages the House of Representatives and the State Council to Approach a Solution and Implementation
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya welcomed the meeting of members of the House of Representatives and the State Council in Cairo last Thursday, encouraging the participating members to build on the agreements reached and to adopt an approach that includes other concerned Libyan parties. This is to ensure that the outcomes of their meeting lead to a politically feasible solution. The mission expressed its support for all efforts aimed at achieving Libyan consensus that facilitates a Libyan-led political process and leads to national elections. The mission reiterated the need for any such steps to be inclusive and contain a clear path towards elections, affirming that it will continue its efforts under the mandate issued by Security Council Resolution 2702 (2023) to reach the political agreement Libya needs to address all contentious issues.
Tekala Discusses with French Envoy Creating a Conducive Environment for Unifying the Executive Authority
The Chairman of the High Council of State, Mohamed Tekala, discussed with the French envoy, Paul Soler, ways to bring Libyan parties closer together and create a conducive environment for unifying the executive authority. This came during a meeting attended by the first deputy chairman of the council, the council’s rapporteur, the chairman of the council’s political committee, and the French ambassador to Libya. The meeting addressed the Libyan political situation, the current political deadlock, and the efforts that France can exert to bring the Libyan political parties closer and work with the international community to create a conducive environment for agreement on unifying the executive authority and achieving transparent and consensual national elections that meet the aspirations of the Libyan people.
Menfi Participates in the African Union and Regional Economic Communities Meeting
The Chairman of the Presidential Council and current President of the Arab Maghreb Union, Mohamed Menfi, participated in the sixth semi-annual meeting between the African Union and regional economic communities and African regional mechanisms. The meeting, held in the Ghanaian capital Accra, was attended by the heads of the regional economic communities, the heads of African regional mechanisms, and the heads of financial institutions affiliated with the African Union. The meeting discussed issues of regional integration within the regional economic communities, such as the Arab Maghreb Union and the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CSS), and the role of African regional mechanisms in supporting this integration and the division of labor between the African Union, regional communities, and African regional mechanisms to achieve economic integration.
Ghana Shows Readiness to Open Consulate in Benghazi
The Ghanaian Ambassador to Libya, Mark Michael Anstey, expressed his country’s preliminary readiness to open a consulate in the city of Benghazi, praising the reconstruction movement, stability, and security level in the cities and regions of eastern Libya. This came during his reception by the Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the government appointed by the House of Representatives, Sami Fathallah Burjua, at the ministry’s headquarters in Benghazi. The meeting discussed the conditions of the Ghanaian community and ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and open avenues for joint cooperation in various fields.
Libyan-Tunisian Efforts to Conclude a Cooperation Agreement in Waste Disposal
The Ministry of Local Government in the interim Government of National Unity announced its pursuit of concluding a joint bilateral cooperation agreement with Tunisia in the field of waste disposal. For this purpose, a meeting was held in Tunisia between the Director-General of the General Directorate of Environmental Sanitation Affairs at the Ministry of Local Government, Ibrahim bin Dakheel, the Director of Projects Management, Mohamed bin Naji, and the representative of the International Cooperation Office, Mohamed Al-Jali, with the Director of the Tunisian National Waste Management Agency, the Director of the Municipal Support Program, and his team from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). The meeting aimed to conclude a joint bilateral cooperation agreement between the two states to implement training programs for Libyan cadres and enhance the capacities and skills of employees at the Ministry of Local Government from various specialties involved in final health waste disposal, among other technical programs to improve waste management practices and preserve the environment.
Hamad Government Warns Financial Monitors Against Dealing with the Dbeibah Government
The Ministry of Planning and Finance in the government appointed by the House of Representatives, headed by Osama Hamad, urged financial monitors and directors of financial monitoring and service offices, as well as financial monitors in independent bodies and agencies, to adhere to the decisions issued by the House of Representatives and regulatory bodies, refraining from dealing with the Government of National Unity. It warned of taking punitive measures against violators. The ministry had previously called, in an official circular dated July 3, for the non-attendance of meetings or reception of any committees from it, except for transactions at the level of departments specialized in employee data related to salaries and similar matters.
AFRICOM Deputy Reaffirms Washington's Commitment to Unifying Libyan Military Institutions
التقى نائب قائد القيادة العسكرية الأمريكية في أفريقيا (أفريكوم) الفريق جون برينان، وقائد قيادة العمليات الخاصة الأمريكية في أفريقيا الأدميرال رونالد فوي، والقائم بالأعمال برنت مع رئيس أركان القوات البرية في الجيش الوطني الليبي اللواء ركن صدام حفتر في #بنغازي يوم الخميس. أكدنا… pic.twitter.com/SYdqwvDbr0
— U.S. Embassy - Libya (@USEmbassyLibya) July 20, 2024
The Deputy Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Lieutenant General John Brennan, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to helping Libyans protect their sovereignty, unify their military institutions, secure their borders, and confront terrorist threats. This came during Brennan’s meeting in Benghazi with the Chief of Staff of the security units of the forces affiliated with the General Command, Major General Khaled Haftar, attended by the chargé d’affaires at the United States Embassy in Libya, Jeremy Bernt, and the Commander of Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA), Admiral Ronald Foy. The participants agreed to continue expanding training and education and to communicate with Libyan military officers from the south, east, and west of Libya.
Hannibal Gaddafi Appeals to Lebanese Judiciary Regarding Al-Sadr Case
According to the Russian Sputnik news agency, Hannibal Gaddafi, who has been detained by Lebanese authorities since 2015, made a request to the Lebanese judiciary to summon former minister Wiam Wahhab to benefit from the information he possesses regarding the disappearance of Lebanese Shiite cleric Musa Al-Sadr in 1978. Sputnik quoted a source close to Hannibal as saying: “I urge the Lebanese judiciary to consider any information that can help uncover the truth in the case of the missing Imam Musa Al-Sadr. Former minister Wiam Wahhab stated in a television interview on Al-Ghad Channel that he has information about the fate of the missing Imam Musa Al-Sadr, which was shared with him by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi during a previous meeting.
Al-Zawiya: Resumption of Armed Clashes with Evacuation Efforts for the Injured
On the evening of Tuesday, July 23, armed clashes erupted in the city of Az-Zawiya in the western part of the country. The Ambulance and Emergency Service urged citizens to avoid the coastal road passing through the city due to the security threat, Local sources confirmed that the clashes, which took place on Tuesday evening, paused to evacuate those trapped. The clashes involved light, medium, and heavy weapons between armed groups. The clashes have stopped, and no gunfire has been heard since, with the confrontations concentrated on Khartoum Street and Bir Ghanem Bridge in the city. A joint operations room has been formed between the Ambulance and Emergency Service and the Libyan Red Crescent, which is currently evacuating the trapped and the patients from the Orchards Clinic after distress calls, in addition to some families trapped in the areas of clashes.
Continuation of Fuel Smuggling Operations Through Ras Jedir Crossing
The Law Enforcement Administration of the General Directorate of Security Operations of the Ministry of Interior in the interim Government of National Unity announced the foiling of fuel and food smuggling through the Ras Jedir border crossing. Its patrols seized quantities of fuel inside the vehicles of travelers through the Ras Jedir crossing at dawn, along with items such as cigarettes and other subsidized food and goods. These efforts come as part of the directives of the acting Minister of Interior, Emad Al-Trabelsi, regarding tightening security and combating smuggling operations through the border crossing, which was reopened on July 1 in the presence of Al-Trabelsi and the Tunisian Minister of Interior.
Smuggling of 812,000 Euros to Tunisia via Ras Jedir: 5 Months' Imprisonment for the Accused
The Bab Bin Ghashir Magistrate’s Court sentenced two individuals to five months in prison for attempting to smuggle 812,000 euros through the Ras Jedir border crossing with Tunisia, as announced by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation authorities completed their examination of the evidence presented by the judicial officer against the two individuals who attempted to smuggle foreign currency. The Public Prosecution concluded by filing a criminal case against them in the Bab Bin Ghashir Magistrate’s Court. The court convicted the two defendants, sentencing them to five months in prison and fining them 1,000 dinars. The court also ordered the confiscation of the seized amount.
Reuters: Counterfeit Libyan Currency Printed to Finance Infrastructure Projects and Russian Mercenary Activities
Three sources told Reuters that new Libyan banknotes, described as counterfeit by the Central Bank of Libya, were exchanged for real dollars, allegedly to finance infrastructure projects in the east following last year’s devastating floods in Derna and its surroundings. A diplomatic source stated that the money could also be used to finance Russian mercenary activities in Libya and the Sahel region. The sources, comprising a banking source, a diplomatic source, and a source from the government appointed by the House of Representatives, indicated that some of the counterfeit banknotes were printed in Russia and shipped to eastern Libya this year, while others were illicitly printed within the country. They explained how hard currency was exchanged for the counterfeit banknotes in the black market or through local banks. The Sentry, an international group focusing on corruption and war crimes, confirmed Russia’s role in pumping the new banknotes into Libya.
23% of Migrants Entered Tunisia Overland via Libya
Preliminary results from a field study conducted by the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights on the situation of migrants in the country revealed that 23% of them arrived overland through Libya. The study, which included a random sample of 379 migrants, found that 60% of respondents stated they entered Tunisia via the land border with Algeria, emphasizing that the land borders with Algeria and Libya are the main crossing points into Tunisia, Respondents in the study reported that it took them up to 14 months to reach Tunisia, with 44.9% stating they traveled on foot from Sub-Saharan countries, while 9.8% used transportation to reach Tunisia. The study, conducted between March and May 2024 in Greater Tunis, Sfax, and Zarzis on a sample composed of 72% males and 28% females, revealed that about 63% of the migrants were in an irregular situation, and 25% were asylum seekers. In a press conference presenting the study results, the forum’s spokesperson, Ramadan bin Omar, held the Tunisian authorities responsible for the clashes in the Al-Amra area in Sfax between migrants and citizens, arguing that depriving migrants of work opportunities or financial assistance created the tension.
U.S. State Department: Corruption, Political Division, and Armed Groups Major Obstacles to Foreign Investment in Libya
The U.S. State Department highlighted numerous obstacles to foreign investment in Libya, primarily government division, threats from armed groups, corruption, and bureaucracy, despite the potential for local and foreign investment in the country. In its 2024 Investment Climate Report for Libya, issued on July 21, 2024, the U.S. State Department stated that Libya faces difficulties in the investment environment despite significant potentials from the need for reconstruction, consumer demand, and rich natural resources. The report noted the decline in net foreign direct investment in Libya from $2.7 billion in 2010 to $50 million in 2022. It also pointed out Libya’s long track record of non-compliance with contractual obligations and timely payments, highlighting that the oil, gas, electricity, and infrastructure sectors have attracted the most investment in Libya. Despite the interim Government of National Unity’s interest in attracting foreign investment and collaborating with international companies, several obstacles to foreign investment remain, including bureaucracy, complications arising from the division of state institutions, burdensome regulations, and widespread corruption in public administration, along with threats from armed groups.
This post is also available in:
Arabic