The eastern-based Libyan government has announced the formation of a specialised crisis cell to follow up on the case of several Libyan hunters detained in Chad over alleged illegal hunting activities inside Chadian territory.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation affiliated with the House of Representatives said the move reflects Libya’s continued commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and safeguarding their legal rights.
According to the ministry, the crisis cell began operating immediately after its establishment and is closely monitoring developments surrounding the detained Libyans. The team is coordinating with relevant authorities inside Libya while also activating diplomatic and official communication channels with Chadian authorities to address the issue within a humanitarian and fraternal framework.
The ministry stressed that the protection of Libyan citizens overseas remains a top priority in its foreign policy agenda. Officials said all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the detainees, monitor their legal conditions and work towards resolving the matter as quickly as possible in accordance with international laws and diplomatic norms.
The eastern administration’s foreign minister, Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij, has repeatedly emphasised the importance of strengthening Libya’s diplomatic engagement with neighbouring African states, particularly on issues related to border security and citizens abroad.
The ministry also urged Libyan citizens travelling to friendly and neighbouring countries to respect local laws and regulations and avoid actions that could expose them to legal accountability.
Officials added that updates regarding the detained hunters would continue to be released through official channels as diplomatic efforts progress.
The case comes amid ongoing efforts by Libyan authorities to strengthen regional cooperation with Chad on security and border-related matters. Eastern-based authorities aligned with military commander Khalifa Haftar have in recent years expanded political and security coordination with neighbouring countries in southern Libya and the Sahel region.
