Benghazi – Saturday, 14 February 2026 In implementation of the directives of Prime Minister Dr. Osama Hammad, His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Abdelhadi Al-Huweij, chaired this morning at the Prime Minister’s Office in Benghazi an important meeting with the heads of foreign international non-governmental organizations operating in Libya. The meeting addressed a range of priority issues, most notably exploring ways for international organizations to contribute to the voluntary return program for Sudanese nationals, alongside a visual presentation on the key needs of the Ministry of Health. The discussion also highlighted the importance of prior and effective coordination with local partners to ensure integrated efforts and achieve the desired humanitarian response. Participants discussed the challenges faced by international organizations in Libya, emphasizing the necessity of having a local partner as a fundamental requirement for any foreign organization’s work. They also stressed adherence to non-interference in political affairs, respect for Libyan societal values and traditions, and the protection of religious constants. The meeting was attended by several officials, including the Military Attorney General, the Head of the International Humanitarian Law Committee, the Head of the National Reconciliation Committee of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, General Faraj Al-Sousa’a, the Legal Advisor to the General Command of the Armed Forces, Mr. Nasser Ahneesh, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Abdelsalam Aqila, the Secretary-General of the Libyan Red Crescent, Mr. Mar’i Al-Dersi, and the Chairman of the Libyan Relief and Humanitarian Assistance Authority, Mr. Salem Bouzrida. Representatives from security agencies, the President of the Libyan Bar Association, Mr. Abdullah Boujerba, and approximately 21 international organizations operating in the country also participated. In his remarks, the Minister emphasized that any organization wishing to operate in Libya must have its main office in Benghazi or another Libyan city, as this is a basic requirement for activity. He also stressed the need to comply with the laws governing foreign organizations, follow directives issued by the Prime Minister, and adhere to related publications from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Minister praised the role of international organizations, noting that current efforts remain below expectations. He called for greater partnership, networking, and intensified efforts in line with the local needs of Libyans and foreign nationals, particularly Sudanese nationals. He reiterated that any discussion of permanent settlement is formally and substantively rejected, while legal procedures for regularizing residence, work, or study remain available within the applicable legal framework. The Minister also highlighted the humanitarian role of the General Command of the Armed Forces and the Libyan government in supporting Sudanese displaced persons, despite the large numbers arriving in the country. He noted that Libya has received hundreds of thousands of Sudanese nationals, providing them with various forms of humanitarian, relief, health, and food assistance, safeguarding their human dignity. The importance of international organizations’ contribution to the voluntary return program was also underscored, with more than 90,000 Sudanese citizens registered through the Sudanese Consulate platform in Benghazi. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister and members of the National Committee responsible for granting permits commended the efforts of organizations meeting the requirements. They stressed the importance of continued implementation and coordination with local partners. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will remain the main official gateway for the work of any foreign organization, governmental or non-governmental, with an agreement to establish a quarterly follow-up mechanism to discuss challenges and evaluate progress across various programs.