Summary:

On 27 April 2025, Major General Ali Ramadan al-Rayani, a senior military figure affiliated with the Government of National Unity (GNU), was killed in an attack on his residence in al-Khalla district on the southern outskirts of Tripoli. 

According to the Libyan news outlet Al-Wasat, witnesses reported that Rayani killed three of his attackers before he was shot dead.  

As the motives behind his death remain unclear, the GNU’s Prime Minister, Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, ordered the military prosecutor to launch an urgent investigation into the killing of General Al-Rayani. 

A day prior, the Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadiq, met with a delegation from ExxonMobil to discuss strengthening cooperation between the two sides. The meeting took place at the 2025 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group in Washington.  

The two sides explored potential investments in oil exploration and production, aiming to strengthen collaboration between Libya and ExxonMobil and advance the development of the country’s oil and gas sector. 

Outlook: 

The simultaneous occurrence of a high-profile assassination and a significant energy sector meeting illustrates the dual realities of Libya’s current situation. 

While political instability and security concerns persist, the government is actively pursuing economic development and international partnerships, particularly in the oil industry. 

The success of these initiatives will depend on Libya’s ability to navigate its internal challenges and create a stable environment conducive to sustained investment and growth.  

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.