AGP Executive Report

Libya Education: Libya has started shipping school textbooks ahead of the new academic year, with the first vessel of 50 containers leaving for Misrata and more ships scheduled through June and July. Libya Tech & Finance: Tripoli is preparing to host EPAIX 2026, an electronic payments and digital transformation exhibition running June 17–18, bringing banks and fintech firms together to push Libya’s digital shift. Libya Diplomacy: The head of Libya’s Presidential Council, Mohamed Menfi, received credentials from China’s new ambassador, Ma Shuwei Liang, as both sides reaffirmed cooperation across political, economic, and cultural ties. Libya International Relations: Oman’s State Council chairman met a Libyan delegation to review bilateral cooperation and plan cultural and development visits. Human Rights in Libya: Global Sumud activists and supporters are escalating pressure over detainees held in eastern Libya, including reports of hunger strikes and calls for urgent release after aid missions to Gaza. Culture & Community: A Libyan university story highlights students rebuilding dreams after war, while the wider week also saw international attention on documentaries and migrant-rights debates.

Education & Youth: Libya has started shipping school textbooks via seaports for the new academic year, with the first vessel leaving for Misrata carrying 50 containers and more ships scheduled through June and July. Tech & Finance: Tripoli is set to host “EPAIX 2026,” an electronic payments and digital transformation exhibition running June 17–18, bringing banks, fintech firms, and entrepreneurs together. Culture & Heritage: Authorities arrested a gang accused of antiquities trafficking in western Libya after monitoring activity on social media, with seized items sent for specialist authentication. Diplomacy: The Chairman of Libya’s State Council, Mohamed Menfi, received China’s new ambassador in Tripoli, while Oman’s State Council chief met a Libyan delegation to review bilateral ties and cultural visits. Humanitarian Rights: A global hunger strike has been launched by activists from 13 countries demanding the release of Global Sumud convoy members detained in eastern Libya while trying to deliver aid to Gaza. Public Safety: A Moroccan national was found dead in Tripoli with signs of assault; the case is under investigation by the public prosecution. Regional Context: Oman and Libya also reviewed cooperation at Arab and regional levels, underscoring how culture and institutions travel alongside politics.

AI & Digital Governance: Libya adopted an Artificial Intelligence Ethics Charter and launched a National AI Strategy 2026–2030 in Tripoli, setting 35 initiatives and targets like AI use across most government entities, a national digital identity, and training for thousands of public employees. Education & Cooperation: Libya signed an Egypt deal to upgrade technical education, aiming to modernize training tools and expand specialized consultancy. Diplomacy: Tripoli’s Mohamed Menfi received China’s new ambassador credentials, reaffirming ties and cooperation. Humanitarian Crisis in Libya: A global hunger strike is demanding the release of Global Sumud North African Land Convoy activists detained in eastern Libya while trying to deliver aid to Gaza, with reports of days without food or water. Culture & Heritage: Libya’s Tourism Police arrested a gang suspected of antiquities trafficking after items were advertised online, with seized pieces sent for specialist verification. Public Life & Safety: A Moroccan national was found dead in Tripoli with signs of assault; authorities say a criminal investigation is underway. Tech Event: Tripoli will host EPAIX 2026, an electronic payments and digital transformation exhibition running June 17–18.

Digital Economy & Tech: Tripoli is gearing up for “EPAIX 2026,” an electronic payments and digital transformation exhibition running June 17–18, with major banks and fintech firms set to showcase new services. Education Upgrade: Libya has signed a deal with Egypt to upgrade technical education, aiming to modernize training and equipment. Diplomacy: Mohamed Menfi received credentials from China’s new ambassador, Ma Shuwei Liang, as both sides reaffirmed cooperation across political, economic and cultural fields. AI for Public Life: Libya adopted an AI Ethics Charter and launched a National AI Strategy 2026–2030 with 35 initiatives, including AI use in government services and training for public employees. Culture & Learning: After years of war damage, students at the University of Benghazi are returning to a more hopeful campus future, with a new campus planned to open this autumn. Justice & Safety: In Tripoli, a Moroccan national was found dead near a hospital; authorities say the case is being investigated for suspected strangulation. Humanitarian Rights: Argentine journalists and humanitarians detained in Sirte have reached 20 days in custody, with families and rights groups demanding their release. Culture & Heritage Protection: Authorities arrested a gang accused of antiquities trafficking after items were advertised online, with seized pieces sent for specialist verification.

Libya’s AI push: The Government of National Unity adopted an Artificial Intelligence Ethics Charter and launched a National AI Strategy 2026–2030 with 35 initiatives across six pillars, aiming to expand AI use in government, digital identity, training, and startups. Border control update: Libya temporarily suspended visa-on-arrival at airports and air entry points while it reviews the system and plans a new visa framework within 30 days. Culture & education resilience: Students at the University of Benghazi—nearly 70,000 strong—are studying again with optimism as a new campus is set to open this autumn after years of war damage. Migration tensions in Tripoli: Social media anger over irregular migrants has spilled into street protests, with claims about UNHCR and “settlement” plans denied by officials. Cultural heritage enforcement: Authorities arrested a gang accused of antiquities trafficking in western Libya after items were promoted online and seized for authenticity checks. Humanitarian activism: Global Sumud Land Convoy supporters launched a hunger strike in Seville demanding the release of detained volunteers in eastern Libya.

Migration & Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV warned people smugglers in Spain’s Canary Islands to “stop and repent,” saying traffickers will face God’s wrath and urging communities to welcome and integrate migrants. Libya Border Policy: Libya’s Government of National Unity temporarily suspended visas on arrival at airports to tighten entry controls, with a new visa system proposal due within 30 days. Education Rebound in Benghazi: After years of war damage, students at the University of Benghazi are returning to classes and preparing for a new campus opening this autumn. Students’ Everyday Life: A refugee in the UK credits a football group in Sheffield for helping him rebuild confidence and belonging after traveling via Libya. Climate Pressure Across MENA: A new report says heat, water scarcity, conflict, and weak services are trapping vulnerable families across the Middle East and North Africa with fewer safe options. Libya’s Migration Risks: Reports describe a Libyan human trafficking network abducting Kurdish youth in Tripoli, with families facing ransom demands and threats. Local Governance Tensions: Plans for a “Central Region Province” in Libya’s central area are drawing opposition and lack official follow-up.

Education & Renewal in Libya: After years of jihadist damage, students at the University of Benghazi are back to studying in safer conditions, with a new campus set to open this autumn—“the university is life itself” for the city. Migration & Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV, in Spain’s Canary Islands, warned smugglers to stop exploiting migrants and urged communities to welcome and integrate people fleeing war, poverty, and climate stress. Border Policy in Libya: Libya’s GNU temporarily suspended visa-on-arrival at airports while it reviews the system and plans tighter safeguards to prevent fraud. Humanitarian Crisis on the Route: A report says a Libyan human trafficking network abducted eight Kurdish youths in Tripoli, with threats of organ harvesting and ransom demands. Climate Pressure: A new MENA-focused report warns climate fragility is intensifying displacement risks as water scarcity, conflict, and weak services squeeze daily life. Libya’s Cultural Memory: A feature highlights Salima Al‑Na’eli, a Libyan woman who fought the Italian occupation and is remembered as a “lioness” of resistance.

Libya Border Policy: Libya’s Government of National Unity has temporarily suspended visa-on-arrival at airports and air entry points, aiming to curb forgery and misuse while tightening border controls. Human Rights & Migration: In Tripoli, a human trafficking gang abducted eight Kurdish youth, with one survivor describing beatings, humiliation, and threats of organ removal unless ransoms are paid. Global Migration Pressure: Pope Leo XIV visited the Canary Islands’ “dock of shame” site, urging countries to protect migrants’ dignity and calling out indifference at borders. Education & Mobility: The U.S. is reducing visa processing capacity in Africa, adding another hurdle for African students—while Libya remains a key route in many journeys. Culture & Learning: Maghreb countries, led by Algeria, are pushing AI education and research through university-linked clusters to turn ideas into businesses. Community Safety: Libya-linked stories also highlight the wider risks migrants face, from desert survival accounts to detention and exploitation.

Libya Border Update: Libya’s Government of National Unity has temporarily suspended visa-on-arrival at airports and air entry points, citing tighter border controls and moves to prevent forgery and misuse while a new visa framework is prepared. Humanitarian Activism in Libya: EU officials say they’re ready to provide “discreet support” for Land Flotilla activists detained in Benghazi after a Gaza aid attempt, as families and lawmakers press for access and release. Global Sumud Hunger Strike: Ten of 11 Gaza-bound convoy volunteers remain in detention in Benghazi on a “dry” hunger strike, with health reportedly deteriorating and communication limited. Culture & Skills in Tripoli: The House of Arts in Wahesh Al-Saboun has graduated its first class of leather industry trainees in Tripoli, spotlighting vocational training and local craftsmanship. Sports & Mobility: Libya’s wider migration pressures echo in reports on Africans facing tougher travel rules, with Libya-linked routes repeatedly mentioned in migrant accounts. Regional Tech Push: Maghreb countries, including Libya, are advancing AI education and research through university-linked initiatives and start-up clusters.

Border & visas: Libya’s Government of National Unity has temporarily suspended visa-on-arrival at airports and air entry points, citing tighter border controls and a push to prevent document fraud while a new visa framework is prepared. Humanitarian activism in Libya: The EU says it’s ready to provide “discreet support” for Land Flotilla activists detained in Benghazi after a Gaza aid attempt, as families and lawmakers press for access and release. Detention & hunger strike: Global Sumud volunteers remain incommunicado in Libya’s eastern detention facilities, with reports of a life-threatening “dry” hunger strike after mistreatment allegations. Libya-linked labor tragedy: A Bangladeshi worker abducted in Tripoli has been confirmed dead months later, underscoring the risks faced by migrant workers in Libya. Culture & skills: Tripoli’s House of Arts and Traditional Crafts held the first graduation for leather industry trainees at Hosh Al-Saboun, including participants with disabilities and autism, as vocational training expands. Energy sector training: NOC signed an MoU with PMI to build project-management capacity and certifications for Libya’s energy workforce.

Humanitarian Aid in Libya: The EU says it’s ready to offer “discreet support” for Land Flotilla activists detained in Benghazi since 24 May while trying to deliver aid to Gaza, with Italian lawmakers pushing for their protection. Vocational Culture in Tripoli: The House of Arts and Traditional Crafts in Hosh Al-Saboun held a graduation for the first class of leather-industry trainees, including participants with disabilities and autism, aiming to preserve heritage and create jobs. Energy Sector Skills: Libya’s National Oil Corporation signed an MoU with the Project Management Institute to expand training, capacity building, and project-management standards. Libya Migration Tensions: UN-linked reporting highlights Libya’s rejection of migrant resettlement plans and protests against UNHCR over migrant concerns. Seafood & Local Life: Tripoli’s tuna season is profiled through the memories of an old captain, showing how social media is reshaping local food culture. Derna Recovery: Libya continues rebuilding flood-ravaged Derna, but trauma and community strain linger. Rights Watch: Libya Crimes Watch reports continued rights violations during May 2026. Global Sumud Convoy: Amnesty urges the immediate release of Global Sumud Land Convoy detainees held in eastern Libya for attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.

Humanitarian & Rights in Libya: Amnesty says LAAF-linked forces must immediately release 10 Global Sumud Land Convoy activists detained in eastern Libya for trying to deliver aid to Gaza, after arrests, enforced disappearance, and “assembly without authorization” charges. Migration Politics: Tripoli’s Interior Minister Emad Al-Trabelsi met “No to Resettlement” protesters, reiterating Libya rejects resettlement and will only allow any foreign presence “in accordance with the law,” with a security plan focused on border control. Energy & Skills: NOC signed an MoU with PMI to boost training, capacity building, and project management standards in Libya’s energy sector. Culture & Daily Life: A Tripoli tuna captain reflects on how seasonal tuna fishing shaped his life—and how social media is reviving local seafood culture. World Cup Travel Friction: Somalia protested the US denial of entry to referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, highlighting how stricter immigration rules are derailing African sports travel. Education & Development: Tika says it has run 137 projects in Libya since 2011, including a “Room of Hope” child chemotherapy center in Sabratha and Montessori classrooms.

Migration Pressure on Europe: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Europe faces an “invasion” as the EU rolls out tougher migration rules, with EU data showing only a small share of deportation orders actually lead to departures and fears rising over people waiting in Libya to cross. Libya’s Anti-Resettlement Stance: In Tripoli, GNU Interior Minister Emad Al-Trabelsi met “No to Resettlement” protesters, reiterating Libya rejects resettlement and says it will tighten border control and monitor desert areas and cities. Humanitarian Convoy Detentions: Libya’s National Army detained Spanish journalist Alicia Armesto and nine activists while they were en route with a humanitarian convoy to Gaza, with international journalist federations calling for immediate release and safety guarantees. Libya Route Harms: Reports highlight deaths and abuse tied to the central Mediterranean route, including a Malta-bound boat capsizing after departing Libya, and allegations of kidnapping and torture of migrants held for ransom. Energy Sector Skills: Libya’s National Oil Corporation signed an MoU with PMI to expand training, build institutional capacity, and apply project management standards in the energy sector. Culture & Community: Tika says it has carried out 137 projects in Libya since 2011, including a “Room of Hope” chemotherapy center for children in Sabratha and Montessori classrooms across multiple cities.

Libya Development & Health: Tika says it has expanded its development footprint in Libya since 2011 with 137 projects, focusing on health, education and social services—highlighting its “Room of Hope” child chemotherapy centre in Sabratha. Libya Politics & Elections: UNSMIL reports Libya’s Structured Dialogue has concluded, with recommendations aimed at conditions for elections and stronger state institutions, following consultations with more than 10,000 people. Derna Recovery & Mental Health: Nearly three years after the 2023 storm, Derna is rebuilding roads, homes and services, but residents say trauma remains and mental health support is still urgently needed. Migration Crisis at Sea: At least 11 people died after a migrant boat capsized off Malta, with dozens rescued—another grim reminder of the deadly central Mediterranean route. Nigerians in Libya: NIDCOM says over 20,000 Nigerians have been evacuated from Libya in 10 years, but warns many keep returning; it also urges detainees to seek legal help and embassy support. Education Update: Libya’s Basic Education Completion Certificate exams have started across 134 districts, with more than 211,000 students taking the tests. Human Rights Watch: Libya Crimes Watch reports continued rights violations in May, including unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances, plus migrant deaths along routes.

Migration & Safety: A migrant boat carrying about 60 people capsized off Malta after departing from Libya; at least 11 died and around 48 were rescued, as the central Mediterranean route remains deadly. Libya’s Political Roadmap: UNSMIL says Libya’s Structured Dialogue has concluded, with recommendations aimed at elections, stronger institutions, and addressing conflict root causes, following consultations with more than 10,000 people. Human Rights Watch: Libya Crimes Watch reports continued rights violations in May, including unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and migrant deaths linked to weak protection and accountability. Detention & Aid Workers: Global Sumud Maghreb Convoy volunteers in eastern Libya remain incommunicado and on hunger strike over alleged mistreatment and lack of legal access, while international pressure grows. Migration Backlash in the Region: Libya-related migration tensions echo across the Mediterranean as Europe debates tougher controls and deportation rules, and activists protest UNHCR actions in Tunisia. Education & Daily Life: Preparatory certificate exams have kicked off nationwide, with hundreds of thousands of students taking tests inside Libya and abroad. Energy & Skills: Libya’s National Oil Corporation signed an MoU with PMI to expand training, build project-management capacity, and support international standards in the energy sector.

Mediterranean Tragedy: A migrant boat capsized about 45 nautical miles off Malta after departing from Libya, with 10 bodies recovered and around 48 survivors rescued; search operations continue as the UN says the North Africa-to-Italy route remains the deadliest. Libya’s Political Roadmap: UNSMIL says Libya’s Structured Dialogue has concluded, with recommendations aimed at elections, stronger institutions, and tackling conflict root causes—now moving to implementation support. Humanitarian Crisis in Detention: Global Sumud Maghreb Convoy volunteers remain incommunicado in eastern Libya and are on hunger strike after reports of lack of medical care and legal guarantees, while international pressure grows. Migration Tensions at UN Sites: Tripoli officials and protesters clash over alleged “settlement” of migrants; UNSMIL warns against hate speech and stresses the UN is not resettling people in Libya. Rights Watch: Libya Crimes Watch reports continued serious rights violations in May, including unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and migrant deaths along routes. Education Update: Preparatory certificate exams have started nationwide, with 211,884 students taking tests inside Libya. Culture & Skills: Libya renews focus on vocational education and international cooperation, including a forum on skills development and partnerships. Energy Sector Training: NOC signs an MoU with PMI to build national competencies and improve project management in Libya’s energy sector.