Libya Roundup: Power Station, voter registration, border crossing with Tunisia

FILE PHOTO: MSF ship Geo Barents heads towards Italy after rescuing of migrants off the Libyan coast in the central Mediterranean

FILE PHOTO: A migrant gestures on the Geo Barents migrant rescue ship, operated by Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), as it makes its way to Italy after the rescue of 61 migrants on a wooden boat in international waters off the coast of Libya in the central Mediterranean Sea, September 30, 2023. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi/File Photo

Source: REUTERS

Sudanese rival factions clash in Libya

Sudanese rival factions clashed in Libya, with casualties on both sides. Forces loyal to General Mohamed Bakhit Ajab Al-Dor repelled an attack by the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army led by Minni Minawi (SLM/A-MM), resulting in heavy losses for SLM/A-MM. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF)-aligned Revolutionary Awakening faction seized military vehicles and ammunition and captured several soldiers, according to the Sudan Tribune. Al-Dor's forces are withdrawing from Libya to support the RSF in Sudan. RSF field commander Ali Rizq Allah claimed control of the tri-border area linking Sudan, Libya, and Chad, and reported defeating armed movements' units in various towns.

Power Station to boost national grid

Zawiya Combined Power Station's second unit is set to add 50 megawatts to the Libyan national grid after completing operational tests and maintenance, according to the power station's General Manager, Mohamed Al-Habbouli. The General Electricity Company of Libya is collaborating with Zallaf Libya Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Company to look at supplying electricity from the national grid to the South Refinery Project, Libya Observer reports.

Extension of voter registration for municipal elections

Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC) has extended voter registration for municipal elections to July 7. The decision to change the end date from June 23 comes after a high turnout of citizens and positive registration rates, according to the Libyan Observer. The HNEC also urged state institutions to support the voter registration process.

Aim to increase daily oil production

Libya's Prime Minister aims to increase daily oil production to 2 million barrels by next year, with current production at 1,250,775 barrels per day. The government plans to support the private oil sector and improve the efficiency of workers to achieve this goal. Oil and gas exports are crucial for Libya's economy but have faced challenges due to domestic conflicts and instability, Azad News Agency reported.

Postponed opening of Ras Ajdir Border crossing with Tunisia

Libya has postponed the opening of the Ras Ajdir border crossing with Tunisia until 24 June due to incomplete procedures. The Ministry announced that the crossing remains open for urgent and diplomatic passages. It had been closed for three months following an attack on security forces, Anadolu Agency reports.

Edward Sakyi