Private Security Companues Expand In Libya Using Instability In Country

FILE IMAGE: Goran Tomasevic/Reuters

As reported by French Intelligence Online media outlet, the security situation in Libya has slightly improved since the beginning of negotiations between the sides of the conflict, and the companies responsible for providing security have reestablished operations. Paris supports the French security services in the region.

While visiting Libya on September 4, France’s Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian employed GEOS in Tripoli, and SMS Security Consultancy de Gilles Bourguignon in Tobruk. Le Drian’s movements in Benghazi were handled by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s forces, and British special operations units provided security while he was in Misurata.

GEOS and SMS expect to capitalize on their early presence in the country and gain advantage over other companies, like Erys Group security company, owned by Arnaud Dessenne and Stephane Gerardin, which already has close connections with the government in Tripoli.

Canadian company GardaWorld is still heavily present in the country as part of the EU Border Assistance Mission.

Small UK security companies like Rubicon Global Solutions, having appeared in the country last year, also are interested in securing their presence. Whispering Bell is yet another UK contractor present in the region, owned by Paul Mercer, with the Libyan branch being handled by a former Foreign Legion soldier Matts Lindall.