The Deutsche Welle reported that despite supporting an embargo, Germany has exported €330 million in weapons to countries involved in the war in Libya. Libya has been plagued by warfare since the Western-backed toppling of Libyan dictator Muammar al-Gaddafi in 2011. Multiple groups continue to fight for power in the oil-rich country, often with backing from foreign powers. In January, Germany hosted a summit of world leaders whose countries have sent arms or soldiers to Libya. In a closing declaration, 16 countries and international organisations agreed to a weapons embargo for Libya.
Between January 20 and May 3, Germany approved €308.2 million in arms destined for Egypt alone, the ministry said. The information was provided in response to a request from Germany’s leftist die Linke party. The German government also approved €15.1 million in arms exports for Turkey and €7.7 million for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Turkey supports the Government of National Accord (GNA), which is backed by the UN, while Russia, Egypt, and the UAE support rival forces led by Khalifa Haftar. Violence has continued in recent weeks despite international calls for a cease-fire in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
