Authorities in Libya have mandated the suspension of operations for ten international aid organizations, citing violations of local laws related to the assistance provided to African migrants. The Internal Security Agency (ISA) has accused these humanitarian groups of facilitating the resettlement of African migrants within Libya, an action deemed hostile to the nation’s demographic structure.
The organizations impacted by this decision include prominent names such as Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Norwegian Refugee Council, Danish Refugee Council, Terre des Hommes, Care, Acted, Inter SOS, and the Italian group Cesvi. These organizations have been instrumental in delivering essential aid during critical times, notably during the catastrophic floods of 2023 that resulted in thousands of fatalities.
The ISA has raised suspicions of money laundering against these groups, pointing to a lack of transparency in their financial transactions and currency exchanges. ISA spokesperson Salem Ghaith announced at a news conference that legal actions will be pursued against these non-governmental organizations, alongside the enforced closure of their offices.
Ghaith accused the organizations of illegally providing aid, including cash vouchers, clothing, food, housing, and medical assistance, thereby encouraging migrants to settle in Libya rather than continuing their journey to Europe. He emphasized that this assistance has effectively transformed Libya into a destination country for migrants.
In a February update, MSF highlighted the dire conditions faced by migrants in Libya, who often endure violence and are denied access to healthcare. They are reported to live in precarious conditions, facing abuse both within and outside detention centers, with limited access to essential healthcare services.
The Libyan government has specifically accused the Norwegian Refugee Council of distributing financial aid and supplies to illegal migrants without official authorization, contravening national security laws. Libya, a key transit point for migrants from Africa and the Middle East aiming for Europe, has seen significant migrant activity, with the International Organization for Migration estimating around 787,000 migrants and refugees residing in the country as of 2024.
Libya has experienced instability since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that resulted in the overthrow and death of long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi. The nation remains divided, with rival governments in the east and west supported by various militias and foreign entities.
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- The suspension of aid organizations may severely impact the availability of humanitarian assistance for migrants in Libya, potentially worsening their living conditions.
- Local communities in Libya could experience increased pressure on resources and infrastructure as migrants are encouraged to settle rather than transit through the country.
- The decision could affect international relations, as the involved organizations are backed by several foreign governments and entities, potentially leading to diplomatic tensions.
- Residents of neighboring countries might see a shift in migration patterns, with Libya’s role as a transit point changing, possibly affecting migration routes and dynamics in the region.
- The ongoing political instability in Libya, exacerbated by the suspension of these organizations, might lead to further humanitarian crises, impacting both local populations and migrants.
