Libya Showcases Cultural Heritage at Desert Festival in France
The Friends of Fezzan Tourism & Heritage Association brought a vibrant taste of Libyan Saharan culture to the International Desert Festival in Tours, France, held from June 13 to 15. The event showcased traditional music, artisanal crafts, and culinary delights, immersing visitors in the rich heritage of the Libyan Fezzan desert.
Organized by the French-based association Les Amis du Fezzan, the exhibition aimed to strengthen cultural ties and raise awareness of Fezzan's unique natural and historical legacy. As desert regions like Fezzan gain international attention for tourism and heritage preservation, initiatives like this festival help spotlight the region's traditional identity.
The association's presence highlighted ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism in Libya's desert areas—featuring educational workshops, handcraft displays, and traditional musical performances. It also served as a platform for potential partnerships to support heritage conservation and increased cultural tourism.
This participation underlines Fezzan's growing visibility on the international cultural stage, fostering cross-national engagement and dialogue centered on desert culture and sustainable heritage tourism.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: Desert TourismFezzanHeritagelibya
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
3 hours ago
- Libya Review
ICC Accuses Italy of Violating International Law Over Libyan Suspect
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally accused Italy of breaching its legal obligations by failing to hand over Libyan national Osama Najim, despite an active international arrest warrant. Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan criticised the Italian government's decision to extradite Najim to the Libyan authorities rather than complying with the ICC's warrant. In a legal filing, Khan urged the court to declare Italy in 'formal non-compliance' and to refer the matter to either the Assembly of States Parties or the UN Security Council. According to the Italian newspaper Domani, Rome refused the ICC's request to arrest and surrender Najim. The ICC has argued that Italy favoured an 'unlawful' Libyan request and failed to inform the court in a timely manner, describing the incident as a 'dangerous precedent'. Najim was arrested on 19 January based on the ICC warrant, as reported by La Stampa. However, within days, he was transferred to Libyan custody, sparking outrage among international human rights organisations. Amnesty International responded by urging Italy to fulfil its legal duties. In a 21 January statement, the organisation emphasised that all countries party to the Rome Statute must comply with arrest and surrender obligations issued by the ICC. The case has triggered legal and diplomatic concerns, as Najim is wanted in connection with alleged serious crimes under international law. The exact charges remain sealed, but the court insists on his immediate surrender. The ICC's criticism of a European Union member state underscores growing concerns about the enforcement of international justice in politically sensitive cases. Libya's involvement, and Italy's cooperation with Libyan authorities, may now come under increased scrutiny from the international community.
Libya Review
3 hours ago
- Libya Review
Libyans Demand UN Mission Exit Over Political Paralysis
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is facing mounting criticism from the Libyan public, who increasingly view its presence as an obstacle rather than a catalyst for political progress. A recent investigation by Libyan Express revealed deep dissatisfaction among citizens regarding UNSMIL's effectiveness, according to Italy's Agenzia Nova. Many accuse the mission of being disconnected from Libya's realities, with no visible improvements in daily life or governance. Public anger came to a head during recent protests outside UNSMIL's headquarters in Tripoli, where demonstrators called for the mission's immediate departure. Protester Ramadan Khaled told reporters, 'The UN mission is part of the problem, not the solution. It must change course or leave.' Another citizen, Fawziya Ben Ali, criticised the mission's activities as limited to 'endless meetings, foreign trips, and statements that achieve nothing.' Political analyst Dr Ibrahim Mohammed echoed these concerns, noting the lack of innovation and clear timelines in the mission's proposals. UNSMIL recently announced the creation of a 20-member Libyan advisory committee, claiming it would provide a national voice for future political solutions. The committee's recommendations were made public in May. However, many Libyans see this as an insufficient gesture in the face of a deepening crisis. The country remains polarised between two rival governments: the Tripoli-based GNU led by Abdulhamid Dbaiba , and the eastern administration led by Osama Hammad, appointed by the House of Representatives. In this context, public trust in UNSMIL appears to be eroding rapidly. Libyans are calling for concrete action, a clear political roadmap, and international support that truly reflects their aspirations for sovereignty, elections, and democratic transition. Tags: libyaLibyan Crisistripoliununsmil
Libya Review
8 hours ago
- Libya Review
Italian Companies Eye Benghazi Growth Opportunities
Belgassem Khalifa Haftar, Director General of Libya's Reconstruction and Development Fund, announced that major development projects in Benghazi are set to launch by the end of next year, as part of the city's transformation into a leading economic center in Libya. Speaking during the 'Amarna' podcast alongside Italian Ambassador to Libya, Gianluca Alberini, Haftar said the recent Libyan–Italian Economic Forum has opened wide channels of cooperation between Italy and Benghazi. The forum saw participation from nearly 100 Italian companies, signaling renewed international confidence in Libya's eastern region. He emphasized that Benghazi has now embarked on a serious path of reconstruction and growth, and that its economic revival is unmatched in recent history. 'By the end of next year, several large-scale projects will be inaugurated as scheduled,' he stated. Italian Ambassador Alberini echoed these sentiments, noting the momentum in Benghazi's development, and affirming that Italian firms are ready to begin operations following their participation in the forum. The remarks reflect a growing effort to attract foreign investment, rebuild critical infrastructure, and position Benghazi as a strategic gateway for economic recovery and international trade. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: Belgassem HaftarbenghazilibyaLibya Reconstruction Fund
