The Mayor of Tobruk, Faraj Boual-Khatabiya, met with a visiting American safety delegation to discuss a series of training programs set to take place in Tobruk and Derna during September and October. The programs will span ten days and aim to strengthen local capacity in the field of safety.
The meeting also covered the team’s upcoming field visits, which will include the National Safety Department, Tobruk International Airport, and Tobruk Medical Center. These visits are designed to assess local needs and enhance cooperation in safety management.
Mayor Boual-Khatabiya emphasized that Tobruk’s safety department urgently requires modern equipment due to the vast geographical area it serves. He underlined the importance of joint efforts to provide essential support in training and technical resources.
The talks were attended by members of the municipal council, the municipal office director, the Human Resources Department, and the International Cooperation Office. The initiative was coordinated with the Libyan Army’s General Staff of Ground Forces and the National Safety Authority in eastern Libya.
The mayor praised the role of the Libyan Armed Forces in supporting Tobruk municipality, highlighting their focus on strengthening the National Safety sector, which he said requires significant development and equipment upgrades to meet current demands.
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.
