Libya Roundup: Mass graves discovered, protests, surge in Sudan refugees
Public protests erupt in Tripoli against government leadership
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Tripoli repeatedly demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah amid recent militia clashes, which claimed at least eight lives. Demonstrators chanted slogans calling for governmental reform as protests persist in a divided Libya, where the UN-recognised GNU faces opposition from Khalifa Haftar's eastern administration. The unrest follows an announcement by Dbeibah aimed at dismantling rival armed factions, exacerbating tensions within the capital, Le Monde reports.
UN reports surge in Sudanese refugees
The United Nations has reported a significant rise in the number of Sudanese refugees entering Libya since the onset of conflict in Sudan, with nearly 313,000 refugees arriving to date, according to The Libya Observer. The UNHCR has projected a potential total of 621,000 Sudanese refugees by the end of 2025, while the WFP has called for urgent funding to continue food assistance to vulnerable populations, warning of a looming aid suspension due to critical funding shortages.
Budget passed by Eastern Parliament raises concerns
Libya’s eastern-based parliament has approved a budget of 69 billion Libyan dinar ($12.71 billion) for a development and reconstruction fund, seeking to distribute the funds over three years. However, uncertainty surrounds the actual disbursement of these funds, as the Tripoli-based Central Bank, responsible for Libyan oil revenues, remains under the control of a rival government, potentially hindering implementation of the budget.
Mass graves discovered in Libya confirm human rights violations
Dozens of bodies have been uncovered at various detention sites in Tripoli, affirming deep-rooted concerns regarding abuse and torture within these facilities, as highlighted by the UN human rights chief. The Mirage reports that the grave findings indicate possible extrajudicial killings linked to the Stabilisation Support Apparatus, an armed group in Tripoli. The High Commissioner has called for immediate forensic investigations and accountability for these human rights abuses amid ongoing protests against violence.
