‘The skies may be clouded for now’: Peter Apap reaffirms Prohealth’s long-term vision in Libya

More than two decades after his first exploratory visit to Libya, Prohealth CEO and Co-Founder Peter Apap has once again returned from the North African country with a renewed sense of purpose, even as fresh unrest threatens the fragile peace in Tripoli.

Reflecting on his recent trip in a LinkedIn post, Mr Apap described the visit as “colourful, unpredictable, yet enriching,” underscoring both the challenges and opportunities the Libyan market continues to present for Maltese enterprises.

“Deep gratitude to Ambassador Charles Saliba and his team for ensuring a seamless return home. And of course, to our Libyan partners and colleagues – your warmth, care, and concern made all the difference,” Mr Apap said, adding Corinthia Hotel in his thank-yous for “keeping Andrew Spiteri Willetts, myself and all the guests safe and comfortable.”

His comments come just days after Libya experienced some of the most intense clashes in years. Fighting erupted in Tripoli following the killing of militia leader Abdulghani Kikli, known as Ghaniwa, and the swift collapse of his Stabilization Support Apparatus (SSA) group. The 444 and 111 Brigades – both aligned with Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah – have since seized SSA territory, significantly shifting the balance of power in the fragmented capital.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya said it was “deeply alarmed by the escalating violence in densely populated neighborhoods of Tripoli” and urgently called for a ceasefire. Prime Minister Dbeibah has since ordered the dismantling of what he termed irregular armed groups.

Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 and the country’s split in 2014, Libya has experienced intermittent conflict between eastern and western factions, despite a truce signed in 2020.

And yet, it is precisely this backdrop of unpredictability that has further galvanised Mr Apap’s resolve.

“Perhaps it’s precisely this unpredictability – and the energy it brings – that has renewed my conviction to further strengthen Prohealth Limited and our international and local partners’ footprint in Libya,” he remarked. “The skies may be clouded for now, but one thing is certain: They will turn blue again soon.”