Over the last week, Libyan authorities have taken preventative measures to tackle Covid-19 and as of the evening of 24 March, the National Centre for Disease Control confirmed the first case. On 22 March, the TPF published a video accusing the GNA’s Minister of Interior, Bashaagha of being the “hand” of the USA and France. On 20 March, GNA-aligned forces captured Sudanese mercenaries embedded amongst LAN forces in southern Tripoli.

Throughout the last week, there appears to have been a build-up of forces on the Abu Grein frontline, south of Misrata. On 8 March, the Misratan frontline field commander Arfidah was killed. On 10 March, a member of the Nawasi Brigade was killed, possibly a retribution for the killing of Arfidah. On 10 January, the GNA’s Western Military Region Commander, Juwaili, reportedly attempted to create a military camp in the Nafousa Mountains.

On 9 March, the Egyptian Military reportedly completed training a special navy commando unit to assist LNA forces. On 3 March, the eastern-based parallel government claimed to have officially re-opened the Libyan Embassy to Syria in Damascus. Throughout the week, LNA forces shelled Mitiga airport and the neighbouring areas.

The HoR and the HCS refused to attend the UNSMIL-mediated political dialogue talks which began in Geneva on 26 February. The LNA continues to undertake indirect fire attacks on Tripoli.

On 23 February, the second round of the UN-mediated 5 + 5 JMC discussions concluded in Geneva while the HoR and HCS both expressed reservations about the political track discussions due to start this week. On 22 February, the Zuwara municipality declared a state of emergency. The same day, heavy fighting broke out between anti-LNA forces and LNA forces 17km south of Ghariyan.

On 18 February, LNA forces shelled Tripoli port. On 18 February, the attack coincided with the UN-mediated 5 + 5 Joint Military Committee discussions resumed in Geneva. On 18 February, the head of the LNA, Khalifa Haftar, meeting with the US ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, in Rajma.