The Head of Libya’s Tourist Police and Antiquities Protection Agency, Sanusi Saleh, held talks in the French capital, Paris, with officials from the French Central Office for Combating Trafficking in Cultural Property (OCBC).
The meeting, which was attended by representatives from the Libyan Embassy in Paris, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation to protect Libya’s antiquities and combat the illegal trafficking of cultural heritage.
Both sides also discussed the activation of a joint direct contact point to facilitate information exchange, track stolen Libyan artifacts, and coordinate efforts for their recovery.
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.
