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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)
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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.

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Top US Officials in Damascus to Meet New Syrian Rulers, State Department Says

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani speaks at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus Sunday Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)
Abu Mohammed al-Jolani speaks at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus Sunday Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)
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Top US Officials in Damascus to Meet New Syrian Rulers, State Department Says

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani speaks at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus Sunday Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)
Abu Mohammed al-Jolani speaks at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus Sunday Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Albam)

Top diplomats from the Biden administration are in Damascus on Friday to meet new Syrian authorities led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a State Department spokesperson said, the first in-person and official meeting between Washington and Syria's de-facto new rulers.
The State Department's top Middle East diplomat Barbara Leaf, Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens and newly appointed Senior Advisor Daniel Rubinstein, who is now tasked with leading the Department's Syria engagement, are the first US diplomats to travel to Damascus since Syria's opposition militias overthrew oppressive President Bashar al-Assad, Reuters reported.
The visit comes as Western governments are gradually opening channels to HTS and its leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, and start debating whether or not to remove the terrorist designation on the group. The US delegation's travel follows contacts with France and Britain in recent days.
In their meetings, the US officials will discuss with HTS representatives a set of principles such as inclusivity and respect for the rights of minorities that Washington wants included in Syria's political transition, the spokesperson said.
The delegation will also work to obtain new information about US journalist Austin Tice, who was taken captive during a reporting trip to Syria in August 2012, and other American citizens who went missing during the Assad regime.
"They will be engaging directly with the Syrian people, including members of civil society, activists, members of different communities, and other Syrian voices about their vision for the future of their country and how the United States can help support them," the department spokesperson said.
"They also plan to meet with representatives of HTS to discuss transition principles endorsed by the United States and regional partners in Aqaba, Jordan," the spokesperson said.
The United States cut diplomatic ties with Syria and shut down its embassy in Damascus in 2012.
In a seismic moment for the Middle East, Syrian opposition factions seized control of Damascus on Dec. 8, forcing Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war, ending his family's decades-long rule.
The lightning offensive raised questions over whether the opposition will be able to ensure an orderly transition.
Forces under the command of al-Sharaa - better known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani - replaced the Assad family rule with a three-month transitional government that had been ruling an opposition enclave in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib.
US President Joe Biden and his top aides described the overthrow of Assad as a historic opportunity for the Syrian people who have for decades lived under his oppressive rule, but also warned the country faced a period of risk and uncertainty.
Washington remains concerned that extremist group ISIS could seize the moment to resurrect and also wants to avoid any clashes in the country's northeast between Türkiye-backed opposition factions and US-allied Kurdish militia.