Libyan authorities have taken a controversial stance against ten aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders and the UN refugee agency, by ordering them to close their offices. The accusations made include claims that these charities are intentionally trying to alter the ethnic composition of Libya by encouraging African migrants to remain in the country. Salem Gheit, spokesman for the Internal Security Authority, described this as a "hostile act" that threatens the social fabric of Libya.
This expulsion announcement echoes a similar situation that took place in Tunisia two years ago, which drew widespread criticism for its overt anti-Black racism. Both Libya and Tunisia serve as critical transit points for African migrants attempting perilous crossings to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. Since the fall of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has witnessed a severe breakdown of governmental authority that has allowed armed militias and human traffickers to operate with impunity.
The aid groups have been targeted by the Libyan government, which has faced accusations of operating detention centers where migrants endure brutal treatment. Reports indicate that militiamen have been implicated in atrocities, including torture and even killings, against people seeking refuge.
Doctors Without Borders previously paused its operations in Libya due to harassment from authorities, expressing deep concern about the impact of the government’s recent orders on the health of vulnerable populations. The UNHCR has responded with a defense of its work, distinguishing the people it assists as refugees in dire need rather than migrants and asserting that they operate with the consent of the Libyan government.
Internal Security Authority claims allege that the aid groups’ support for migrants through basic provisions enables them to view Libya as a permanent residence rather than a transit country. Nevertheless, many migrants express a desire to move on to Europe for asylum or better opportunities.
Unfortunately, sub-Saharan African migrants in Libya have consistently faced grave human rights abuses, brutal treatment, and systemic racism. A Sudanese woman who was trafficked in Libya recounted her traumatic experiences, highlighting the dehumanizing racism that permeates interactions even from children.
The situation remains dire, as the expulsion of these aid organizations threatens to exacerbate the vulnerabilities faced by African migrants and refugees in a country already rife with instability and violence.
