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US company Culmen International to provide technical and human capacity training to Libya鈥檚 Customs Authority
via Libya Herald4 min read
The Libyan Customs Authority announced on April 25 that it has signed a cooperation memorandum with the US company Culmen International. This agreement aims to enhance technical and human capacities within the Customs Authority, particularly at border crossings. The partnership will focus on training programs for customs officers stationed at the Ras Ajdir and Wazen land border crossings with Tunisia. The objective is to improve detection capabilities and supply modern equipment to boost efficiency. The Customs Authority stated that this collaboration supports the adoption of international best practices in inspection and border security, building upon the existing Early Border Detection Project. This initiative is expected to contribute to stronger border control and the protection of the national economy. Culmen International has a history of providing training in Libya since 2019, primarily to the Libyan Civil Aviation and Airports Authority, as part of efforts to lift the EU flight ban.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Libya Herald.
Must ReadBrega Oil Marketing Company confirmed its commitment to supplying diesel fuel to the General Electricity Company of Libya GECOL to support power generation and electrical system stability. This commitment comes as Libya faces increasing power cuts since mid-June. Brega also continues to meet the needs of factories, companies, and production facilities, despite increased demand for diesel as a backup fuel due to low natural gas supply. The company emphasized that while fuel supply is crucial, network stability depends on an integrated system including natural gas availability, generator readiness, maintenance, and transmission networks. Brega noted that some industrial facilities use diesel generators during peak hours, even when electricity is available, to save costs, which increases diesel consumption and pressures the supply system. Brega called on regulatory authorities, such as the Municipal Guard Authority, to monitor fuel consumption patterns in these facilities to ensure optimal resource use. The company also urged GECOL to consider the supply system's exceptional conditions when ordering diesel, basing estimates on actual needs and scheduling withdrawals to balance power station requirements with other vital sectors. Brega, in coordination with the National Oil Corporation and relevant authorities, will continue to seek sustainable solutions to enhance supply system stability across various sectors.
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The European Union Aviation Safety Agency EASA extended its flight ban over Libya until January 2027, citing ongoing security risks, political instability, and fragmented military control. The ban, updated under CZIB-2017-02, advises air operators to exercise extreme caution or avoid Libyan airspace. Specifically, flights below FL320 are discouraged, except for coastal airport approaches with coordination and risk assessment. Operations above FL320 require extreme caution due to high-altitude air defense system risks. Despite this, international carriers, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, EgyptAir, Turkish Airlines, and Max Air, have been flying over Libyan airspace since January 2025, with some, like Air France, receiving specific corridor permissions. The US Federal Aviation Authority FAA lifted its flight ban over Libyan airspace in March 2019 for flights above 300 meters. A recent emergency landing of an Egypt Air flight at Kufra Airport in January 2025, due to a flight attendant's illness, was successfully handled by Libyan ground services, which are available 24/7. This incident was seen as positive for Libya's efforts to lift the EU ban and regain revenue from overflight fees. Furthermore, the Libyan-owned carrier MedSky currently operates flights to EU cities, raising questions about the rationale behind the continued EU flight ban.