Saturday, January 28, 2012

Libya Update

Summary
The security presence around Tripoli’s major hotels increased temporarily on 26 January, however it remains unclear whether this was in response to a specific threat. In general, security in the capital remains positive. Protestors stormed the Benghazi headquarters of the interim ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) on 21 January, during protests against the presence of former Gaddafi regime members in the government, while tribal fighters reportedly loyal to Muammar Gaddafi seized the previous regime stronghold of Bani Walid, 110 miles south east of Tripoli, on 23 January. The NTC has subsequently been forced to recognise the tribally-based local government council. Hundreds of Islamist demonstrators turned out in central areas of Tripoli, Benghazi and Sabha to demand that the countries new constitution be based on Shari’a law. Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has ended its operations in detention centres in the country after its staff were asked to patch up detainees mid-way through torture sessions. Meanwhile, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) stated it had increased production further towards pre-conflict levels, while the deputy head of the NTC Abdel Hafiz Ghoga stated on 22 January that he had resigned from his position due to the growing protests against him.

Projections
Tripoli will remain stable, although there is an ongoing risk of sporadic clashes on the outskirts of the city involving militia groups and National Army units. 

In the West of the country the risk of clashes is assessed to be higher by AKE personnel on the ground. In recent months clashes have occurred in the Warshafenna tribal areas to the west of the capital, the city of Gharyan to the south and Bani Walid to the south east. The potential for further clashes in these areas remains.

Benghazi will remain stable, although there is a risk of further demonstrations by workers calling for better pay and conditions, as well as rebels asking for increased compensation for their actions during the eight month conflict.

Tripoli
Tripoli remains stable, and movement around the city is relatively free. There are some permanent checkpoints towards the outskirts of the city, including the entrance to major districts such as Tajura and on the airport road towards Tripoli International Airport, however these are not generally stopping traffic.

AKE sources on the ground noted an increased security presence on 26 January around the city's major hotels, with an increased number of checkpoints around the centre of the city, where the majority of major hotels are located. The presence was once again reduced the on 27 January and it remains unclear whether the increased presence was in response to a specific threat or the recent instability in a number of areas in the West of the country.

Benghazi
Protestors stormed the Benghazi headquarters of the interim ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) on 21 January as demonstrations over the continued presence of Gaddafi-era officials in the organisation escalated. Protestors have been demonstrating, largely peacefully, for weeks and AKE has previously highlighted potential for sporadic violence. Former rebel fighters have also been demonstrating over the level of cash compensation received from the NTC. There is an ongoing risk of further violence of this nature.

Strikes have also been reported in Benghazi, largely involving both private and public sector workers calling for better pay and conditions. Furthermore, there are tensions in many organisations with workers who are demanding they receive their full salaries for time out of work during the 8 month conflict. Demonstrations of this nature are likely to occur in Benghazi and other major towns and cities throughout the country.

Bani Walid    
Tribal fighters reportedly loyal to Muammar Gaddafi seized the previous regime stronghold of Bani Walid, 110 miles south east of Tripoli, on 23 January. Reports suggest the attack was launched by 100-150 well armed, well organised men. The incident has highlighted the weakness of central authority in the region and raised concerns about a potential slide towards further instability and violence.
    
The NTC has been forced to recognise the tribally-based local government council, demonstrating its ineffectiveness when faced with stiff resistance by local tribal leaders. Members of the Warfalla tribe in Bani Walid stated that defence minister Osama al-Juwali accepted the new council’s authority during day-long talks in the town on 25 January, meaning the government has effectively ceded a large degree of control of the town to the local tribal elders.

Although the armed men who carried out the attack were framed in many reports as Gaddafi loyalists, the uprising was likely more to do with ongoing distrust and disagreements with the NTC and other militia groups who ensure security in the region, as opposed to any ideological attachment to the previous regime.
    
Islamist Demonstrations    
Hundreds of Islamist demonstrators turned out in central areas of Tripoli, Benghazi and Sabha to demand that the countries new constitution be based on Shari’a law. Organisers said the move was a response to the emergence of secular parties following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. Prior to the overthrow of the former regime, no political parties existed in Libya, a fact that likely helped to prevent unity from forming between different tribal groups and regions.

Both the conservative Muslim Brotherhood and various Salafist groups were present, both of whom follow relatively conservative versions of Islam. The Brotherhood is believed to be the most organised group in the country at present, a fact that may help it gain significant ground in upcoming elections.

Torture Allegations
Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has ended its operations in detention centres in Libya because its staff were asked to patch up detainees mid-way through torture sessions so the abuse could continue. The incidents were said to have happened in Misrata during the height of the conflict. Having informed both the Misratan Military Council and the NTC of the incidents with no subsequent action being taken, MSF decided to cease operations. 

Meanwhile an Amnesty International report claims that several people have died after being tortured by militias in Libyan detention centres in Tripoli, Gharyan and Misrata.

Oil Production    
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) said in a statement on its website that oil production had increased to 1.3 bln bpd as more companies resume production. Waha Oil Corporation, a joint venture between ConocoPhillips, Marathon, Amerada Hess and the NOC, is the latest to increase its production by restarting operations at the Dahra and Samah oil fields.

Political Section
The deputy head of the NTC Abdel Hafiz Ghoga stated on 22 January that he had resigned from his position due to the growing protests against him. Ghoga, accused of changing his allegiances to the NTC once it became clear the Gaddafi regime was finished, along with a number of other former members of the Gaddafi regime has been targeted by demonstrators calling for a complete break with the past. On 21 January, demonstrators stormed the NTC building in Benghazi as protests took a violent turn. Ghoga stated that his decision to resign was made in the national interest and to allow the NTC to proceed undistracted by questions over its legitimacy.



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Sources: AKE, INTAKE

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