Linda Newport is seconded from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland to EUBAM Libya. She has extensive experience in European civilian crisis management missions having previously worked in CSDP missions in the Horn of Africa, Sahel, Central Africa and Afghanistan.

1.Why did you apply to the Mission?

I have been seconded by the Department to a number of civilian missions on the African continent and generally I seek an opportunity to work either as political adviser or in coordination as these are my specific areas of expertise. I was put forward as a candidate for this position in May last year and joined the Mission in September. After a three month wait for a visa in Tunis, I finally deployed to Tripoli in December.   

2. What is your role within the Mission?

The European Union and other international partners have many projects and activities that are similar to our Mission mandate. My main role is to coordinate with them to avoid overlap of activity and I also work to enhance our cooperation so that the support we can offer to our Libyan counterparts is more effective. Networking and liaison are both important parts of my typical working week.

3. Who do you work closely with?

Inside the Mission I work closely with the senior management team, especially the deputy head of mission, as together we form the coordination cell. I also work closely with the EU Delegation as our programming objectives are very similar.

4. What do you enjoy most about your job?

My work can vary quite a lot and I enjoy the different challenges that this can present. When I joined the Mission in September for example I immediately started to work on preparing the Libya-Sahel regional conference on cross-border management and security. This two-day conference was held in November 2022 and gathered more than 140 participants, including high level delegations from each of the Sahel countries and Libya, to discuss how to enhance cooperation and coordination in the region. I really enjoyed working on all aspects relating to the preparation and running of this important event, and I especially enjoyed getting to meet the Libyan delegates who are firmly committed to finding solutions to border management challenges.

5. How do you like living in Libya and especially in Palm City?

While it is always a challenge to be in a location where you cannot receive family or friends to visit, and movement around the city is very limited due to security considerations, the compound is by the sea and has excellent facilities which make the stay here very comfortable.

6. What do you like to do in your leisure time?

I enjoy cooking and hope in the coming months to try more Libyan dishes to share with colleagues and friends.

7. How would you describe your Libyan colleagues?

I always enjoy working in a multinational and multicultural environment and Libya is no exception. It is always enjoyable to learn more about the people and place where you are living, and Libyan colleagues are always happy to share information about life outside of the compound.

8. What is your dream holiday destination?

I have travelled extensively over the years but my favourite place that I return to as often as I can is Valentia island, located off the west coast of Ireland. There are beautiful walks and swims to explore and I enjoy the stunning views around the island, cosy cafes to relax in and restaurants that serve the best fish I have ever tasted.

9. What is one of your favourite books?

I enjoy reading most types of novels though one of my favourite authors is Irish travel writer Dervla Murphy, who passed away last year aged 90. Her first book “Full Tilt” was written following her travels by bicycle from Ireland to India in the early sixties. I really enjoy her style of travelling and writing, which is as much about connecting with people and places and enjoying the journey, as the destination.

10. From your previous experience, what advice would you give your colleagues and friends about mission life?

As European experts we are deployed to civilian crisis management missions according to our professional experience. However, I feel it is important to keep in mind that we equally have as much to learn from our national counterparts as we have to share.