Understanding the Libyan Media Environment

The media environment in Libya is notoriously complex and problematic. One of the main challenges facing the media in Libya is the lack of press freedom and the threats faced by journalists, which include physical violence, kidnapping, and harassment. The country is currently ranked 149th out of 180 in the World Press Freedom Index, highlighting the precarious situation faced by journalists and media outlets in the country.

Another issue is the proliferation of fake news and propaganda, which has been used by various factions to manipulate public opinion and advance their own agendas. This has been exacerbated by the fragmentation of the media landscape, which now includes numerous media outlets who are financially dependent on external funding and are constantly competing for influence, often promoting biased or unverified information as a result of their financial dependency and local competition.

However, there are still independent media outlets operating in Libya that are striving to provide accurate and impartial information to the public. These outlets play a crucial role in providing accurate and impartial information to the public, as well as holding those in power accountable. Almieyar (on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) is one of them.

Media Monitoring: April 2023

As part of its activities, Almieyar, an independent media project launched by Libya Desk in 2022, regularly monitors conversations and trending topics in Libya's traditional and digital newsmedia. The contents of this analysis are published on a monthly basis in our Media Monitoring report. Below are some high-level takeaways of some of the top performing stories in April 2023.

Public anger in the city of Zawiya

One of these stories was the unrest in the city of Zawiya. This coastal city has been suffering from a persistent state of lawlessness for years due to fierce competition between armed groups and criminal organizations over financial gains from illicit activities, such as smuggling and human trafficking. The recent renewal of clashes in the city coincided with the emergence of a popular movement under the name “the youth movement to correct the trajectory.” This led to some young people declaring a state of civil disobedience that led to the closure of the coastal road and Zawiya’s oil refinery until their demands were met. The Government of National Unity (GNU) and state security apparatus did not pay much attention to these developments, and there has been no indication that the government's position is going to change. The army’s chief of staff visited the square where demonstrators were engaged in a sit-in to voice their discontent at the city’s dysfunctional status quo.

"Rebuild Benghazi" project and the demolishment of historical buildings

Another story that Almieyar covered was the "Rebuild Benghazi" project and the demolishment of historical buildings. Civil society organizations and affected parties from Benghazi released a statement about the “protection of historical buildings” in the city. Almieyar got in touch with the authorities responsible for the protection of the buildings, the municipality, and security services in the city. They also communicated with the residents of the city and relayed their testimonies.

5+5 Joint Military Commission’s recent activities

In addition, Almieyar covered the 5+5 Joint Military Commission’s recent activities. This commission was created during the first Berlin Conference to unify the military institution and support efforts to hold elections at the end of the year by increasing security measures and taking steps to ensure their success. The Commission held meetings in April between military figures and leaders of armed groups in Tripoli and Benghazi, in the presence of many prominent figures in Libya’s security landscape. This development was particularly significant due to the fact that many of these figures had never met before and were able to come together under the auspices of the UN, thanks to active mediation by Special Representatives of the Secretary-General.

Other Notable Stories in April

• Almieyar also covered other notable stories from the past few weeks, including the promises made by Libya's rival governments and politicians to cover the costs of the defence team for Libyan citizen Abu Agila Mohamad Mas'ud, who is facing trial in the United States over his alleged involvement in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. The lack of support from Mas'ud's own government, as well as the manner by which he was extradited to the United States, has raised concerns about the fairness of his trial and access to justice.
• Almieyar reported on Libya's performance in the Robotics World Championship 2023, which was highly impressive, with three Libyan teams making it to the finals and two of them receiving jury awards. These accomplishments are an example of the positive impact of investing in STEM education and resources in Libya and provide inspiration for future generations to pursue careers in this rapidly advancing field.

Bottom line

The media environment in Libya continues to face numerous challenges, but independent media outlets like Almieyar play a crucial role in providing accurate and impartial information to the public. By independently covering emerging stories and providing more nuanced and evidence-based perspectives on topics of public interest, Almieyar is contributing to a more informed and engaged Libyan society.

If you would like to receive a detailed overview and comprehensive analysis of Libya's media environment, including monitoring of key indicators, social listening, and mapping of local outlets, reach out to [email protected].