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Corruption charges against the Libyan Audit Bureau

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 The Libyan Audit Bureau said on Monday that the top anti-corruption official Reda Gergab has been abducted by a militia tied to the Interior Ministry in the capital.

The Audit Bureau also accused the interior ministry of “forcibly disappearing” Gergab to prevent him from uncovering financial irregularities and blocking the ministry’s large and suspicious transactions.

“It is regrettable that the body entrusted by the community to implement the law is violating it,” the audit bureau added.

In light of the abduction of Reda Gergab, the audit bureau’s administrative director, The Ministry of Interior issued a statement acknowleding Gergab’s detention and sought to justify it, arguing that the public health crisis caused by COVID-19 required the dispensation of urgent funds “to rescue the Libyan people” and that the government is merely “carrying out responsibilities” undermined by the anti-corruption agency.

“We have noticed that the audit bureau is not performing its role according to the law,” the ministry said, referring to the body’s review of government operations amid accusations of financial wrongdoing. “The government will never submit to political blackmail and arm-twisting.”

NOC restructures BPMC management committee

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The chairman of National Oil Corporation (NOC) has praised the previous leadership team and welcomed in new leaders of Brega Petroleum Marketing Company.   

According to General Assembly Resolution No. 50 of 2020, the handover ceremony between the Brega Petroleum Marketing Company (BPMC) management committees was held on Sunday May 3, 2020 at NOC headquarters in Tripoli and via CCTV from Benghazi. 

The former chairman of the management committee, Mr Imad Ben Koura, congratulated Mr Ibrahim Abubridaa, wishing him and his colleagues success in their mission. Mr Imad Ben Koura also praised BPMC employees’ efforts, team spirit and constant work to serve all the country’s citizens. 

Mr Ibrahim Abubridaa, chairman of BPMC management committee, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the former chairman and management committee for their efforts throughout their period of leadership. Mr. Ibrahim Abubridaa said the company had withstood many challenges thanks to its wise management and the highly motivated and patriotic employees in locations throughout the country. He stressed his keenness to continue this tireless work and to move forward to advance the company and develop its operations. 

First batch of stranded Libyans expected home Today

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The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Hisham Boshkewet said on Monday the Libyans stranded abroad (around 340 people) will be flown back home to Misurata Airport, onboard the Libyan Airlines, and the Afriqiyah Airways, Boshkewat said, adding that the repatriation flights from Turkey will take around 5 days.

Boshkewat noted that arrangements have been put in place for flights back from Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, and the EU countries, after coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Transportation claimed that it has selected Misurata Airport for the incoming flights of stranded Libyans instead of Tripoli’s Mitiga Airport as its infrastructure has been damaged as a result of the repeated rocket attacks.

Turkey sends medical aid to Libya amid pandemic

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Turkey on Monday sent medical supplies to Libya to help fight the novel coronavirus.

The GNA’s Ministry of Health said that the medical cargo plane landed at Mitiga International Airport.

According to the Ministry, the plane carried protective face shields, PVC Goggles, Body Protective Clothing (PPE Suits), Disposable Mask EO, and Laser Thermometers.

It will be reminded that the Ministry of Health has already received a shipment of health aid from Turkey in April, including medical equipment, PPE, and sterilizers to counter the emerging Coronavirus epidemic.

GECOL: electrical grid is being subjected to a daily-acts of theft

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The General Electric Company of Libya (GECOL) suffers everyday from power theft phenomenon which is considered as one of the main causes that leads to the load shading problems.

GECOL stated that, almost every day, unknown groups of looters and criminals steal high-pressure power lines in different regions in Libya.

In a statement, GECOL announced the completion of the maintenance of Alkremiya region (in southwest Libya)  transmission lines, noting that the maintenance work included the extension of 1000 meters of power lines.

The General Electricity Company of Libya GECOL urged all security authorities and municipalities to secure the electrical grid, which is being subjected to a daily-acts of theft and sabotage, leading to power outages in some areas.


UNHCR steps up help during Ramadan for displaced Libyans

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UNHCR has begun a series of extra emergency distributions in Tripoli, to assist some of the most vulnerable people during Ramadan, and as war and COVID-19 present new threats.

The first distribution got underway on Sunday, targeting more than 100 asylum seekers and refugees living in overcrowded conditions with insufficient water and sanitation, in a popular neighbourhood of Tripoli. 

The assistance package being distributed includes hygiene kits, purification tablets, provided by sister agency, UNICEF, and a food basket (designed for one month).

The distribution is the first of a series planned during Ramadan.  In the first week, nearly 500 people will be reached with assistance.  The aim is to reach up to 4,000 persons during the Ramadan period.

WHO: Libya has not yet reached the peak of infection

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on Libyan authorities to remain vigilant against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Now is not the time to lower our guard. The low numbers being reported must not lull us into a false sense of security. Libya is in the early stages of the pandemic and has not yet reached the peak of infection,” Elizabeth Hoff, WHO representative in Libya, said in a statement released Sunday.

The WHO also recommended health authorities in Libya to increase testing capacity by establishing an additional laboratory in southern Libya and expand testing range to patients with influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infections.

“Adequate, regular supplies of testing kits will be essential. Improved disease surveillance and investigation — including in migrant populations — and contact tracing are also important tools to inform and drive the outbreak response,” the agency said.

Ahmed Al-Marghani, awareness programs official of the Libyan National Center for Disease Control, said on Saturday that home quarantines and curfews in Libya are aiming to control the coronavirus, explaining that the country is still faced with risks in the spread of the pandemic.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Libya so far is 63, including 22 recoveries and three deaths, according to the center.

Libyan authorities have imposed a curfew, banned public gatherings and travel between cities, and closed borders in order to fight the pandemic. 

Turkey can achieve 30% of market share in Libya

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If positioned well, Turkey can be the leader in Libya’s supply chain in the new normal, Murtaza Karanfil, head of Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Turkey-Libya Business Council said on Monday.

Praising Turkey’s steps to mitigate economic fallout and to stem the spread of the coronavirus, Karanfil said: “If we add the production strategy aiming to respond quickly to orders, to those accurate steps, we can further expand our market share and we form the supply chain in our favor.”

Turkey’s market share in Libya can reach 30%, up from its current level of 13%, Karanfil stressed, adding that Turkey should also utilize its geopolitic position.

“The new normal will significantly change the supply chain and Turkey can grab the 25% market share of China and Italy in Libya,” he said.

Thus, Turkey can increase its exports to Libya to $10 billion in medium-term while enhancing its influence in African market, Karanfil added.

Turkish exports to Libya narrowed by 3.1% year-on-year to $442.5 million in the first three months of 2020, he said, noting that the figure was $1.9 billion in 2019.

“Libya is a gateway to Africa, and it will be one of the busy trade routes in the coming period.” He said.