AGP Executive Report

Libya–AI & Education Diplomacy: Libya’s Education Minister Mohammed Al-Qariyo took part in ICESCO’s London ministerial dialogue on education and AI governance, pushing for digital innovation and AI rules that fit Libya’s school system. Humanitarian Gaza Convoys: A Global Sumud Land Convoy report says communications stalled at the Sirte crossing despite earlier assurances, with organizers urging Libyan security and the Red Crescent to turn promises into a concrete coordination meeting so aid can move. Energy & Investment Push: IN-VR unveiled LIBYES (“Say Yes to Libya”) to boost Libya’s energy visibility and investment links, and announced LIBEX (Libya Energy Week & Exhibition) for late 2026. Regional Tech & Policy Noise: The week also carried broader signals on AI in conflict and tighter travel screening in the US, but Libya-specific updates were the standout.

Humanitarian Convoy Standoff: The Global Sumud Land Convoy says communications stalled at the Sirte crossing despite earlier Libyan security and Red Crescent assurances, and it’s now urging authorities to turn “words of support” into a concrete follow-up meeting so the Gaza-bound mission can move. Gaza Prison Crisis: A new spotlight is on Israel’s detention system, with claims of thousands held without conviction and hundreds of children among them, alongside allegations of mass death and deliberate famine conditions. US-Cuba Escalation: The Trump administration is again raising the temperature on Cuba—this time via a fresh legal indictment move against Raúl Castro—while critics warn it’s part of a broader push toward coercion and possible force. Libya Health Diplomacy: Libya’s Tripoli Health Ministry signed a health-sector MoU with Morocco on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly, focusing on training, research, and hospital twinning. MENA Cyber Crackdown: Interpol’s Operation Ramz reports 201 arrests across 13 countries, including Libya, targeting fraud and phishing networks.

Humanitarian Access Standoff: The Global Sumud Land Convoy (GSLC) says communications and follow-up talks with Libyan security authorities and the Libyan Red Crescent broke down at the Sirte crossing, leaving the civilian mission stuck despite earlier assurances—GSLC is now urging authorities to turn “words of support” into a concrete safe-passage plan. Health Diplomacy: Libya’s Tripoli Health Ministry signed a health MoU with Morocco on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, focusing on training, research, and hospital twinning. Cyber Enforcement: Interpol’s Operation Ramz reports a MENA-wide cybercrime sweep involving Libya and 12 other countries, targeting fraud devices and phishing networks. Local Capacity Building: An EU4Skills workshop in Tripoli is training Libyan stakeholders on quality management for marine fisheries and fish exports. Regional Tech & Industry: Libya’s industry ministry met Chinese firms on industrial cooperation and technology transfer, while Türkiye’s ambassador highlighted readiness to support joint Libyan marine projects.

Libya–EU/UN Health & Tech Moves: Libya’s Tripoli Health Ministry signed a health MoU with Morocco on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, focusing on training, research, and hospital twinning. Aviation Modernisation: Libya’s Airports Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority reviewed a Spanish firm’s pitch on modern aviation technologies, aiming to upgrade digital and technical airport infrastructure in line with ICAO/IATA standards. Marine Cooperation Push: Libya’s marine ministry met Türkiye’s ambassador, with Turkish institutions ready to support joint marine fishing, aquaculture, shipbuilding, and technical know-how via TİKA coordination. Industry Partnerships: Libya’s Industry and Minerals minister met Chinese companies to localise industries and transfer manufacturing expertise. Cross-border Security: Interpol wrapped up MENA cybercrime “Operation Ramz,” with Libya among participating countries and 201 arrests across the region. Regional Context: Türkiye’s EFES 2026 exercise drew 50 nations, including Libya, spotlighting drones and layered air defence.

Gaza Aid Blocked in Libya: A Global Sumud land convoy carrying ambulances, medicine and mobile homes says it’s been forced to camp near the Sirte crossing as negotiations freeze amid an increased armed presence, with a new delegation trying to secure safe passage. Regional Health Links: Libya’s Tripoli Health Ministry signed a health MoU with Morocco on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, focusing on training, research and hospital twinning. Cyber Crackdown: Interpol’s Operation Ramz wrapped up across 13 MENA countries, including Libya, with 201 arrests and thousands of victims notified after phishing and malware scams. Libya’s ICC Step: A former Libyan militia commander accused of torture and other abuses appeared at the ICC, described as a major milestone for accountability. Tech & Industry: A Tripoli workshop under EU4Skills aims to boost quality management for Libya’s fish exports, while Bosnia’s Energoinvest reportedly secured a €2.71m Misrata power contract. Thin on Libya-specific tech: Most other coverage this week leans regional geopolitics rather than new local tech moves.

Health Diplomacy: Libya’s Tripoli Health Ministry signed a health MoU with Morocco on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, focusing on training, shared expertise, joint research, and hospital twinning. Humanitarian Access: A Global Sumud land convoy carrying ambulances and medicine was blocked near the Sirte crossing and forced to camp as negotiations with the Red Crescent froze amid heightened security risks. Cyber Enforcement: Interpol wrapped up Operation Ramz, a MENA-wide cyber crackdown that led to 201 arrests, disruption of phishing and malware networks, and nearly 4,000 victims notified, with Libya among the participating countries. Regional Cooperation: In Benghazi, Libya’s Deputy Prime Minister met an Egyptian academic delegation to discuss cooperation. Cross-border Rights Pressure: Egypt is reportedly “terrorising and deporting” Sudanese refugees back to war, with daily raids hitting cities including Cairo and Alexandria. Defense Industry Watch: Turkey is expanding drone production in Central Asia, with Kazakhstan set to jointly produce and maintain Turkey’s ANKA drones.

Humanitarian Crisis at Sirte: A 200+ person Global Sumud land convoy bound for Gaza is being forced to camp near the Sirte crossing after talks with the Red Crescent froze, with organizers saying an armed show of force is blocking safe passage. Libya-Egypt Cooperation: In Benghazi, Deputy Prime Minister Ali Faraj Al-Qatrani met a high-level Egyptian academic delegation from the Arab Academy for Science to discuss joint cooperation, with Libya’s technical education minister also present. Defense & Drones Beyond Libya: Russia’s Africa Corps reportedly deployed upgraded Shahed-type Garpiya-A1 drones in Mali for the first time, while Turkey pushes drone production abroad via a Kazakhstan joint venture for the ANKA system. Cyber & Governance: INTERPOL wrapped a MENA cybercrime sweep with 201 arrests, and Libya’s Economy Ministry accredited seven international inspection firms for medicines and medical equipment checks at export ports. Tech Adoption: A new map shows AI use led by the UAE (70% of working-age adults), with Europe also emerging as a major adoption hub.

Defense & Security: Russia’s Africa Corps has reportedly deployed upgraded Shahed-type Garpiya-A1 long-range drones in Mali for the first confirmed use outside Ukraine, with wreckage found near Sévaré after clashes. AI & Digital Economy: A new 2026 map shows the UAE leading AI usage by working-age adults (70%), with Europe also dominating top adoption markets. Regional Military Training: Türkiye’s EFES 2026 exercise is drawing 50 nations, with autonomous drone swarms and layered air defense in focus—and Libya and Syria participating for the first time in years. Libya Infrastructure & Industry: Bosnia’s Energoinvest signed a €2.71m contract with LISCO to build power supply facilities in Misrata, while Benghazi inaugurated the first phase of the Jalyana project with five bridges. Trade & Health Oversight: Libya’s Economy Ministry accredited seven international inspection firms to check medicines and medical equipment at export ports. Justice: The ICC held a landmark hearing in Libya’s atrocity case involving accused militia commander El Hishri.

ICC Accountability: A former Libyan militia commander accused of murder, rape, enslavement and torture is set to appear at the International Criminal Court in a hearing campaigners call a “huge milestone” after years of investigation. Energy Deal: Energoinvest has secured a multi-million euro Libya power deal, signaling a push to return and build new generation capacity. Oil Market Push: Libya’s National Oil Corporation chief tells British officials Libya is “open for business” as production hits a 13-year high and talks focus on investment and a unified sector. Trade Oversight: Libya’s Economy Ministry accredits seven international inspection firms to check medicines and medical equipment at ports outside Libya—aiming to tighten import controls. Border Pressure: EU Schengen reporting and Frontex data point to fewer irregular crossings, but smuggling risks remain persistent. Health & Education: A Tripoli stroke conference kicks off, while Gharyan launches a national science curriculum competition for final-year students. Culture: Benghazi honors young artist Ziad Al-Sahati at a major youth talent event.

Import Controls: Libya’s Economy Ministry authorized the Health Ministry to use seven accredited international inspection firms (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, TÜV Rheinland, Cotecna, Dekra, Eurofins) to externally inspect medicines and medical equipment at export ports outside Libya, aiming to tighten conformity with approved specs. Aid to Gaza: A “Sumud 2/Resilience 2” humanitarian convoy with 350+ activists and 50 containers left Zawiya toward Egypt’s Rafah crossing, joining wider efforts that also include a Turkey-launched flotilla. Security & Regional Spillover: The week’s biggest external shock is the reported US-Nigeria strike killing ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Mainuki in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin, underscoring how West Africa’s militant networks keep reshaping the region. Sahel Warning: Commentary and mapping coverage argues AES has failed across the Sahel, with authority collapsing and jihadist pressure expanding.

Health Push in Tripoli: Libya’s first Libyan Stroke Conference opened in Tripoli, bringing doctors and officials together to upgrade stroke diagnosis, treatment, and cooperation across health institutions. Security & Migration: The UK’s National Crime Agency says people-smuggling arrests jumped 55% year-on-year, underscoring how migration routes remain under pressure. AI for Conflict Prevention: UNRCCA’s Preventive Diplomacy Academy ran a session on AI and digital tools for early warning and conflict prevention, including platforms for anonymous dialogue and geospatial monitoring. Education & Youth: Gharyan kicked off a Libya-wide final-year science stream curriculum competition, with qualifiers feeding into today’s results. Gaza Aid Movement: A new international land convoy (“Sumud 2/Resilience 2”) departed Zawiya toward Egypt’s Rafah crossing, aiming to deliver medical and housing support after earlier access hurdles. Oil & Business: Libya’s NOC chief met Shell in London, with Shell finalizing studies on Libyan fields for a report due by end of May.

Education & Youth: Gharyan kicked off a Libya-wide curriculum competition for final-year science students under the “Tomorrow’s Scientists… Start Today” banner, with 55 students competing and final results due today, plus a cultural program at Al-Quds High School. Humanitarian Access: A new “Sumud 2/Resilience 2” land convoy left Zawiya aiming to reach Gaza via Egypt’s Rafah crossing, with 350+ activists from 30 countries and 50 containers of aid and mobile housing. Security & Counterterrorism: The U.S. and Nigeria confirmed the killing of ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a joint operation in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin. Energy & Investment: Libya’s NOC chairman told British officials Libya is “open for business” as production rises and cooperation with Shell moves toward a final study submission by end of May. Food & Water Tech: FAO trained North African officials in AI and geospatial tools to manage water and land ecosystems, including Libya’s MERWAT platform.

Counterterrorism: US and Nigerian forces say they killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, IS’s global second-in-command, in a precision strike in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin, with Tinubu confirming the raid and Trump calling it a major regional breakthrough. Libya Energy Push: Libya’s National Oil Corporation is courting new partners as production rises; NOC chairman Masoud Suleiman told British officials Libya is “open for business,” while Shell says it’s finalising studies on multiple Libyan fields for submission by end of May under a 2025 MoU. Healthcare Upgrade: Libya’s Health Ministry inaugurated 13 “Golden Clinic” complexes to expand faster, more accessible care. Governance & Trade Friction: The Libyan-Egyptian Joint Economic Chamber warns of illegal Egyptian private inspection fees, saying customs release rules in Benghazi don’t require them. Security Tech Watch: OSINT reports Libya’s LNA may have received newer Russian T-72B3M (2025) tanks with added anti-drone protection.

Counterterror Strike: The U.S. and Nigeria say they killed Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, an Islamic State leader described as the group’s global second-in-command, in a precision raid in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin, with Nigeria confirming the death and “several lieutenants.” Libya–Energy Watch: Libya’s NOC says Shell is finalizing a technical study on multiple Libyan oil and gas fields and will submit its report by end of May under a 2025 MoU—aimed at boosting production plans. Libya–Trade Integrity: A Libyan-Egyptian chamber warns that Egyptian private inspection firms are charging dollar fees for goods entering Libya, calling it illegal and urging customs authorities to stop the practice. Humanitarian Movement: A new land convoy (“Resilience 2/Soumoud 2”) has set off from Libya toward Egypt’s Rafah crossing to deliver aid to Gaza after earlier access problems. Security Signals: OSINT reporting says Libya’s LNA may have received newer Russian T-72B3M (2025 model) tanks, highlighting continued arms modernization. Regional Tech/Conflict: Greece says a sea drone found near Lefkada likely veered off course due to a technical malfunction, keeping Mediterranean tensions in focus.

Humanitarian Security: Drones are now the biggest driver of civilian deaths in Sudan’s war, with UN officials saying armed drones caused over 80% of conflict-related deaths (at least 880 civilians killed from January to April) as both the army and RSF use foreign-supplied tech to strike hospitals, schools, markets, and even Khartoum airport. Libya Military Watch: OSINT monitoring reports Libya’s Libyan National Army has spotted Russia’s newest T-72B3M tanks (2025 model), including at least three units, with upgrades aimed at surviving drone attacks—another sign of continued arms influence despite Russia’s Ukraine losses. Mediterranean Tensions: Greece says a suspected Ukrainian sea drone found near Lefkada likely veered off course due to a technical malfunction, while investigators still weigh whether it could have been launched from Libya. Aid Movement: A “Soumoud 2” land convoy is preparing to leave Libya for Egypt’s Rafah crossing to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Libya–China Economy: Tripoli’s Dbeibah is urging Chinese firms to return and restart stalled projects in energy, housing, and infrastructure.

Energy Access Crisis: Renaissance Africa Energy CEO Tony Attah says lack of cleaner energy is killing 100,000 Nigerians every year, and Africa overall tops 400,000 deaths—fueling renewed calls to treat gas as “life.” Mediterranean Security: Greek investigators say a suspected Ukrainian explosive sea drone found near Lefkada likely veered off course due to technical failure, though they’re still assessing mission details and how far it traveled. Libya Military Watch: OSINT monitoring reports Russia’s newest T-72B3M tanks spotted in Libya with Khalifa Haftar’s forces, highlighting the growing role of anti-drone survivability upgrades. Libya–China Reconstruction Push: Tripoli’s Dbeibah invites Chinese firms back to restart stalled projects, with emphasis on energy, housing, infrastructure, and technology transfer. Justice in Focus: The ICC is set for a May 19–21 hearing in the El Hishri Libya atrocity case to decide whether the trial proceeds.