CrisisWatch

Tracking Conflict Worldwide

CrisisWatch is our global conflict tracker, an early warning tool designed to help prevent deadly violence. It keeps decision-makers up-to-date with developments in over 70 conflicts and crises every month, identifying trends and alerting them to risks of escalation and opportunities to advance peace. In addition, CrisisWatch monitors over 50 situations (“standby monitoring”) to offer timely information if developments indicate a drift toward violence or instability. Entries dating back to 2003 provide easily searchable conflict histories.

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Middle East & North Africa

Libya

Oil sector disruptions continued: General National Congress’ (GNC) Crisis Committee 16 Sept announced deal to end port blockade reached, but protesters who shut down oil terminals denied any negotiation with state officials. Key pipeline reopened mid-Sept after GNC-led negotiations. Protesters 29 Sept shut down major Wafa gas field along Algeria border; Berber protesters 30 Sept shut off gas pipeline citing marginalisation in new constitution. Political tensions increased with mounting calls for PM Zeidan’s departure; GNC Security Committee member Abdulomonen Alyaser late Sept said IMF raised “red flag” over economy and govt’s direction. SW region Fezzan 26 Sept reportedly declared itself autonomous federal province. Security remained fragile with continued targeted assassinations including 3 security officers killed 29 Sept in Benghazi, and explosions including bombing of Benghazi branch of Foreign Ministry 11 Sept.

Middle East & North Africa

Libya

Oil exports dropped 70% after protests by armed groups protecting ports shut down oil terminals late July; groups involved in the ports’ closure 17 Aug declared Barqa (Cyrenaica) autonomous federal province, attempted black market sale of Libyan oil; govt threatened use of force against group and any oil companies’ vessels trading with them. Insecurity and targeted assassinations continued in Benghazi including killing of reporter Izzedin Qassad 9 Aug and anti-explosive officer Mustafa al-Maghribi 23 Aug. Attack on police station in Sebha, SW, 26 Aug reportedly killed 11. At least 4 killed, several injured 25 Aug in clashes between Wersheffana tribe and residents of Zawiya town near Tripoli; govt late month said “Shield” forces intervened to end clashes following mediation. Ethnic Berbers 13 Aug stormed National Congress calling for greater recognition, PM Zeidan 25 Aug announced launch of national dialogue initiative. Deputy PM Awad Baraasi resigned 3 Aug over “dysfunctional govt”; Interior Minister Mohammed Khalifa al-Sheikh resigned 18 Aug after 3 months in post citing lack of support from PM Zeidan, interference by National Congress members. Prosecutor 27 Aug said Saif Gadhafi trial to begin in Tripoli 19 Sept.

Middle East & North Africa

Libya

Tensions between armed groups over lucrative rights to protect petroleum facilities continued to rise in Tripoli following late June clashes. Brigade early July occupied interior ministry, prompting National Forces Alliance coalition to boycott congress sessions. Congress approved electoral law 17 July; Congress deputy president resigned same day, followed by 4 congressmen from minority groups who said law did not include previously agreed “consensus clause”. Hundreds demonstrated in Tripoli 7 July to demand departure of militias, creation of national security services. Attacks in east continued: military chief of Cyrenaica Council Hamed al-Hassi injured in gunman attack in Benghazi 4 July; air force Colonel Fathi al-Omami killed in Derna 15 July; retired air force colonel and senior policeman killed in separate attacks in Benghazi 27 July; bomb attack on Benghazi police station 24 July; activist Abdelsalam al-Mismari assassinated 27 July; over 1,000 inmates fled Benghazi prison after riot 28 July. UAE embassy targeted in rocket attack 25 July. ICC denied govt request to suspend surrender of Saif Qadhafi to The Hague.

Middle East & North Africa

Libya

Violence increased throughout month sparking fears in some quarters of renewed civil conflict. Over 30 killed 8 June during infighting in Benghazi between army and govt-allied Libya Shield unit; army chief of Staff Youssef al-Mangoush resigned following incident. Gunmen 14 June attacked at least 6 security buildings in Benghazi, killed 9 soldiers in Benghazi and Mizda; gunmen 19 June bombed empty National Security Directorate building in Benghazi, opened fire on Border Guard Authority. UK and Italy offered training for 7,000 National Guard members following call from PM Zeidan for increased international support for rebuilding army. Disputes over oil continued: protesters repeatedly halted production, armed groups continue to compete over rights to secure oil terminals; drop in oil production increasing risks of destabilisation. Pro-revolution militia infighting 24-26 June in Tripoli, which began over guarding of an oil facility, left 10dead and over 100 wounded; Defence Minister Mohammed al-Bargathi resigned. Car bombings in Sebha 25 June killed 2, injured 17. 

Middle East & North Africa

Libya

General National Congress (GNC) 5 May passed controversial and sweeping “political isolation” law following severe pressure from militias, sparking protests in major cities; law prohibits high-ranking Qadhafi-era officials from political office for decade. Implementation of law expected to result in major cabinet reshuffle, replacement of some 30 GNC members; GNC president and former Qadhafi-era diplomat Mohammed Magharief resigned 28 May. New interior minister Mohammed al-Sheikh took office 30 May following resignation of Ashour Shwayel. 4 killed, 20 injured 13 May in explosion at Benghazi hospital; govt said explosion accident but residents blamed govt for failing to protect city and take action against militias. Govt forces 22 May reportedly arrested armed group in Benghazi, seized 22 anti-tank mines. Militia 26 May reportedly attacked gas complex near Zwara in West. Interior Affairs Minister Omar al-Khadraoui 27 May announced new security plan for foreign embassies following increased threats. ICC 31 May rejected Libya’s admissibility challenge in Saif al-Islam Qadhafi case, said Libya not ready to conduct trial.

Middle East & North Africa

Libya

Car bomb exploded outside French embassy in Tripoli 22 April, injuring 5 and sparking fears of further attacks in capital. Confrontations between govt and armed groups continued: gunmen 1 April stormed Tripoli’s main Jadaida Prison, day after over 100 brigade members stormed Justice Ministry following order to transfer all detention centres staffed by brigades to govt control. Principal advisor to PM Zeidan, abducted 31 March by armed men, released 9 April; National Congress 9 April passed law criminalising abductions and torture in effort to hold armed groups accountable. Gunmen late April surrounded foreign and justice ministries, attempt to storm interior ministry failed; said will lift blockade when govt adopts Political Isolation Bill banning Qadhafiera officials from holding govt positions. PM Zeidan 17 April announced plans to create separate “National Guard” manned exclusively by members of revolutionary brigades as part of efforts to integrate armed groups into state security forces. Authorities 13 April said 20 arrested following attack on police compound in Sabha, south. Police convoy ambushed by gunmen in Tripoli suburb 18 April, 1 killed. National Congress 10 April voted to hold national elections for Constituent Assembly.

Middle East & North Africa

Libya

Series of violent interventions related to proposed “political exclusion” law barring Qadhafi-era officials from service caused political paralysis, bringing work of General National Congress (GNC) to a temporary standstill. Members of govt-affiliated brigade, purportedly defending war-wounded protestors, 3 March ransacked main GNC hall; armed men supporting political isolation law next day stormed GNC members in makeshift hall, and ordered them to approve bill; lawmakers allowed to leave building after 12-hour siege, but GNC president Magharief’s car shot at. Lawmakers suspended GNC mid-March due to threats. Chair of Human Rights and Civil Society Committee Hassan al-Amin 4 March announced resignation citing death threats. Govt-affiliated militia late Feb rounded up some 50 Egyptian Copts, accused them of proselytizing; further attacks on Copts reported. UNSC 14 March decided to not fully lift arms embargo, expressed concern over arms flowing from Libya into neighboring countries and over thousands of detainees held by militias. Unidentified armed men 30 March reportedly attacked military air base near Sabha, killing 3 soldiers.

Middle East & North Africa

Libya

Thousands took to streets 17 Feb to mark 2nd anniversary of revolution. Civil society organisations in Benghazi, supported by some armed groups, 15 Feb protested against govt over perceived failure to fulfil goals of revolution. Leaders of groups seeking autonomy for east cancelled planned 15 Feb protest rally citing feared violence. Congress 6 Feb approved direct election to constitution-drafting committee; committee 14 Feb unveiled draft “political isolation law”, which proposes to bar up to 36 categories of civil servants from senior govt, administrative positions for next 10 years. 4 Christian missionaries arrested in Benghazi for proselytising. FM Abdelaziz called for Western and Arab allies to help secure borders to prevent Islamist rebels influx from Mali. PM Zeidan denied reports Qadhafi-era PM Mahmudi tortured in jail.

Middle East & North Africa

Libya

Continued attacks, killings, communal clashes. Italian consul Guido De Sanctis unhurt following 12 Jan gun attack on car. 2 police killed in separate attacks in Benghazi. Islamist leader Ahmed Abu Khattala and National Assembly President Magarief both survived separate assassination attempts. Head of Benghazi criminal investigation unit Abdel-Salam al-Mahdawi kidnapped 2 Jan. 4 killed 8 Jan in clashes between Tebu tribesmen and army in Kufra. Several EU states 24 Jan urged nationals to leave Benghazi due to security threat. Following attack on Algerian gas field, Libya 23 Jan strengthened security at oilfields near Algerian border. PM Zeidan 12 Jan met with Algerian and Tunisian counterparts, agreed to enhance security along common borders. Zueitina oil terminal re-opened mid-Jan following over-2 week closure due to armed protesters. UK PM Cameron visited Tripoli 31 Jan to discuss bilateral relations, pledge help training Libya’s security forces.

Middle East & North Africa

Libya

General National Congress (GNC) 16 Dec announced southern provinces under state of emergency and ordered temporary closure of land borders with Chad, Niger, Sudan, Algeria. Ashour Shuail appointed Interior Minister after court 4 Dec cleared him of ties to Qadhafi regime; Mohamed Bargati appointed Defence Minister. 4 killed 16 Dec in one of several attacks on Benghazi police compounds and stations, 4 more killed in 20 Dec attack. 3 killed 15 Dec when security forces clashed with armed men in Bani Walid. Military tribunal 19 Dec suspended inquiry into death of rebel general Abdel Fattah Younes following protests in Tripoli over tribunal’s questioning of former National Transitional Council leader Jalil.

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