Benghazi port in eastern Libya reopens after 3 years

Benghazi port in east Libya reopened Sunday for the first time in three years.

The port had been forced to cease operations due to fighting between rival factions in the eastern Libyan city.

“Today, we broadcast news to the world that Benghazi, the city of resilience, has opened its doors to receive trade and traders, as well as merchandise and ships from all countries who love peace. Today Benghazi has overcome the crisis and wars of the past and we say to the world today that Benghazi is safe”, said the head of Libyan ports, Belqasem Al-Abaaj.

The port does not export oil, but imports gas and some petroleum products as well as general cargo, and local costs for these are expected to be reduced by the port’s reopening.

Like Benghazi’s airport, the port had been closed since 2014 because of a conflict between forces loyal to eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar and an alliance of Islamists and other opponents.