Libyan Governments Diverge on Detained Nationals in South Africa

A photo released by South African authorities shows several Libyan detainees (AP)
A photo released by South African authorities shows several Libyan detainees (AP)
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Libyan Governments Diverge on Detained Nationals in South Africa

A photo released by South African authorities shows several Libyan detainees (AP)
A photo released by South African authorities shows several Libyan detainees (AP)

The power struggle in Libya has impacted the situation of Libyan detainees in South Africa, which announced on Saturday that it had canceled the visas of 95 Libyan nationals detained a day earlier at a suspected “secret military camp” in White River, a holiday town in the northeastern Mpumalanga province.

The interim Government of National Unity, led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, denied any link to the group arrested there. Meanwhile, the National Stability Government, led by Osama Hammad, promised to provide legal support to the detainees.

Dbeibeh’s government has asked the military prosecutor and the Libyan embassy in South Africa to contact the authorities in Johannesburg for more information about the case.

It also expressed willingness to participate in the investigation, ensure the detainees’ safety, and make sure they are treated according to international agreements.

The Government of National Unity also condemned any actions that could threaten the peace, security, or sovereignty of neighboring or friendly countries.

It emphasized that Libya has moved beyond such cross-border activities, which have previously harmed the country’s security and stability. The government also criticized the involvement of Libyan citizens in these incidents.

Meanwhile, the National Stability Government, represented by its acting Foreign Minister Abdel Hadi Al-Hweij, announced plans to provide legal support for the Libyan detainees abroad.

In a televised statement on Friday, Al-Hweij said he is closely monitoring the situation of the detained Libyans.

He emphasized that his ministry aims to ensure the detainees receive legal assistance and that their detention conditions are appropriate, protecting their rights and ensuring fair legal procedures are followed.



France to Host Syria Meeting with Arab, Turkish, Western Partners in January

This aerial view shows people celebrating the ouster of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad, around the New Clock Tower along Quwatli Street in the center of Homs on December 18, 2024. (AFP)
This aerial view shows people celebrating the ouster of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad, around the New Clock Tower along Quwatli Street in the center of Homs on December 18, 2024. (AFP)
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France to Host Syria Meeting with Arab, Turkish, Western Partners in January

This aerial view shows people celebrating the ouster of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad, around the New Clock Tower along Quwatli Street in the center of Homs on December 18, 2024. (AFP)
This aerial view shows people celebrating the ouster of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad, around the New Clock Tower along Quwatli Street in the center of Homs on December 18, 2024. (AFP)

France will host a meeting on Syria with Arab, Turkish, western partners in January, said France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Wednesday.

The meeting will be a follow-up to the one held in Jordan last week.

Speaking in parliament, Barrot added that reconstruction aid and the lifting of sanctions in Syria would depend on clear political and security commitments by the new authorities.

The new Syrian transition authorities will not be judged on words, but on actions over time, he stressed.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkiye's Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed that the transition in Syria should be respectful of the rights of all communities in the country, the French presidency said after the leaders spoke by phone on Wednesday.

"They expressed their wish that a peaceful and representative political transition, in accordance with the principles of resolution 2254, respectful of the fundamental rights of all communities in Syria, be conducted as soon as possible," an Elysee statement said, referring to a United Nations Security Council resolution.  

Barrot added that fighting in northeastern Syrian cities of Manbij and Kobane must stop immediately.

France is working to find deal between Turks and Kurds in Syria’s northeast that meets interests of both sides, he revealed.

Macron made clear in his call with Erdogan that Kurdish Syrians needed to be fully-integrated in political transition process, continued the FM.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces must be part of the political transition process, he urged.