Mustafa Elgelaib, the Libyan Ambassador to Turkey held discussions with members of the Libyan expatriate community residing in Turkey. This was to address the various challenges they encounter on multiple fronts, including difficulties related to residence permits, education, healthcare, legal issues, and deportation concerns.
This productive meeting was attended by Salah Al-Kaseh, the Consul General of the Libyan Consulate in Istanbul, along with Mohamed Al-Maalloul, the Director of Migration and Expatriate Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and his deputy, Omar Al-Ghnai. As well as several dedicated embassy and consulate staff members.
The Libyan Embassy in Ankara announced that the expatriate community members have collectively decided to convene another meeting next week. This excludes the Libyan mission’s presence, in order to deliberate on the necessary mechanisms and steps to either elect a new committee for the community, or grant another opportunity to the previously elected committee.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.