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Libyan Authorities Accuse Aid Organizations of Plotting Demographic Change
Tripoli, Libya – Libyan authorities have leveled accusations against humanitarian organizations, alleging they are conspiring to alter the nation’s ethnic composition. These accusations claim aid groups are encouraging African migrants to remain in the country. Consequently, the government has ordered the closure of several NGO offices, intensifying concerns over the humanitarian situation for migrants and refugees in Libya.
Targeted Organizations and Allegations
Ten organizations have been specifically identified, including Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Salem Gheit, spokesperson for the Internal Security Authority, stated on Thursday that, “This scheme to settle migrants of African origin within our borders constitutes a hostile action. It is intended to modify the demographic makeup of the nation and jeopardizes the equilibrium of Libyan society.”
This declaration mirrors a similar announcement made by Tunisia two years prior, which was quickly condemned as racially discriminatory.
Libya as a Transit Point and the Migrant Situation
Both Libya and Tunisia are situated on the Mediterranean coast and serve as crucial transit countries for African migrants attempting to cross to Europe by sea.
Following the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya in 2011, governmental collapse led to the rise of armed militias and human traffickers.
The nation is currently divided, with two rival administrations each claiming legitimacy.
Militia groups face accusations of operating detention facilities where migrants endure beatings and starvation. The Libyan coast guard has also been accused of, at times, filming individuals in distress at sea instead of undertaking rescue operations. Libyan authorities have not issued comments regarding these serious accusations.
The expulsion directive issued on Thursday originated from the internationally recognized government based in Tripoli.
Aid Groups Respond to Orders
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) had already suspended its operations in Libya a week prior to this announcement. MSF cited a campaign of harassment by Libyan authorities, including “summoning and interrogating the staff of international NGOs” since mid-March.
“Our organization is deeply concerned regarding the repercussions these directives will have on the wellbeing of patients and the security of humanitarian personnel,” MSF stated in a communication to the BBC.
In response to Thursday’s announcement, UNHCR defended its operations. The agency clarified to the BBC that the individuals it assists are not “migrants” but refugees in urgent need of protection.
UNHCR also affirmed that it operates with the consent of the Tripoli administration.
“We are in communication with the authorities in Libya and are engaging with them to gain clarification. UNHCR has maintained a presence in Libya for upwards of 30 years, delivering humanitarian assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable Libyan communities,” explained spokesman William Spindler to the BBC.
Accusations and Migrant Perspectives
Reportedly, Libya’s Internal Security Authority alleged that the ten aid groups were supporting “illegal migrants” by providing essential aid such as food, clothing, and medical care. This support, authorities claim, “encouraged these migrants to perceive Libya as a final destination rather than a transit country.” However, numerous migrants express no desire to remain in Libya.
For years, migrants from sub-Saharan Africa in Libya have faced severe human rights violations and dehumanizing treatment, including instances of being killed, enslaved, and subjected to repeated sexual assault.
“He would habitually call me a ‘disgusting black.’ He raped me and stated, ‘This is what women are made to be used for,'” recounted a Sudanese refugee who was trafficked in Libya, in a recent BBC interview, referring to a man who had offered her domestic work.
“Even children here are unkind to us, they treat us like animals and sorcerers, they insult us for being black and African. Are they not Africans themselves?” she questioned, highlighting the pervasive discrimination.