2025-04-04T10:45:18.000Z

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In a dramatic turn of events, Libyan authorities have leveled serious accusations against various humanitarian aid organizations, alleging that they are involved in a conspiracy aimed at altering the country's ethnic composition by encouraging African migrants to remain in Libya. As a result, the government has issued an order to close the offices of ten prominent aid groups, including the well-known Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), and the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Salem Gheit, a spokesperson for the Internal Security Authority, made a public statement on Thursday, asserting, "This plan to settle migrants of African origin in our country represents a hostile act. It aims to change the demographic composition of the country and threatens the balance of Libyan society." This claim not only raises alarms about the treatment of migrants but also delves into concerns about national identity and societal stability.

This latest development bears a striking resemblance to a controversial announcement made by Tunisia two years prior, which was swiftly criticized as an expression of anti-black racism. Both Libya and Tunisia are strategically located on the Mediterranean coast, serving as crucial transit points for countless African migrants attempting to reach Europe by crossing the perilous sea.

Since the ousting of long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has experienced a significant collapse in governance. This political vacuum has allowed armed militias to thrive, alongside a surge in human trafficking operations. The country has effectively become divided, with rival administrations exerting control over different regions, complicating the already dire humanitarian situation.

Reports of abuse have surfaced, suggesting that militiamen operate detention centers where migrants face harrowing conditions, including beatings, starvation, and even death. Furthermore, there have been alarming accusations against the Libyan coastguard, which is said to sometimes capture footage of drowning migrants rather than engaging in rescue efforts. The Libyan authorities have yet to provide a response to these grave allegations.

The directive to expel aid organizations came from Libya's internationally recognized government, which is based in the capital city, Tripoli. In light of these recent developments, Doctors Without Borders had already announced a suspension of its operations in Libya just a week prior, citing a systematic campaign of harassment directed at international NGO staff by Libyan authorities that has escalated since mid-March. MSF expressed deep concern over how these orders would affect the health of vulnerable patients and the safety of humanitarian workers.

In response to the government's accusations, the UNHCR defended its critical work in Libya, emphasizing that the individuals it assists are not mere "migrants" but refugees in desperate need of support. The organization clarified that it operates with the consent of the Tripoli government, maintaining a significant presence in Libya for over 30 years and providing essential humanitarian assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, and at-risk Libyan communities. Spokesman William Spindler mentioned, "We are in contact with the authorities in Libya and are following up with them to seek clarity regarding these accusations."

One of the focal points of the accusations against the aid groups was the claim that they support "illegal migrants" by providing essential resources such as food, clothing, and medical care. This, according to Libyan officials, encourages migrants to perceive Libya as a permanent settlement rather than a mere transit destination. However, many migrants have expressed their desire to leave Libya and continue their journey toward Europe.

For years, sub-Saharan African migrants have endured horrific human rights abuses within Libya, facing dehumanizing treatment that has included murder, enslavement, and sexual violence. One Sudanese refugee, who had been trafficked in Libya, recounted her traumatic experiences, stating, "He used to call me a 'disgusting black.' He raped me and said: 'This is what women were made for.'" She also highlighted the societal prejudice they face, explaining, "Even kids here are mean to us; they treat us as beasts and sorcerers, they insult us for being black and African. Are they not Africans themselves?"

This situation raises critical questions about the treatment of migrants and the broader implications for human rights in Libya. As the international community watches closely, the hope is that meaningful dialogue and action will emerge to protect the vulnerable populations caught in this complex crisis.

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