Libyan authorities have taken the significant step of expelling ten humanitarian organizations amid allegations that these groups are plotting to alter the country’s ethnic balance by encouraging the settlement of African migrants. Top organizations like Doctors Without Borders, the UN refugee agency, and the Norwegian Refugee Council have been mentioned in the government's decision.
Salem Gheit, spokesperson for the Internal Security Authority, emphasized, "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 stance recalls a similar controversial announcement from Tunisia two years prior, which faced backlash for its perceived anti-black racism.
Libya and Tunisia are situated along the Mediterranean coast, serving as critical routes for countless African migrants seeking passage to Europe. The ongoing turmoil following the downfall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 has resulted in a fractured governance structure, leading to the proliferation of armed groups and human traffickers. Reports of brutal treatments in detention facilities, including beatings and starvation of migrants, continue to surface, yet Libyan authorities have remained silent on these serious accusations.
In light of their expulsion, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has understandably paused its operations in Libya, citing heightened harassment and interrogations of NGO staff by Libyan officials since mid-March. They expressed concern over the health implications for patients and the safety risk to humanitarian workers.
In response to the government's recent order, UNHCR defended its operations, clarifying that those it assists are refugees in vulnerable situations and asserted that they collaborate with the consent of the Tripoli government. Spokesman William Spindler stated, "We are in contact with authorities in Libya and are following up for clarity. UNHCR has been delivering humanitarian support to refugees, asylum-seekers, and vulnerable Libyan communities for over three decades.”
The accusations from Libya's authorities include claims that the aid groups provide resources like food, clothing, and medicine to "illegal migrants," allegedly encouraging them to view Libya as a final destination rather than merely a transit stop. However, many sub-Saharan migrants have expressed a desire to leave the country due to the severe rights violations they endure, including murder, enslavement, and sexual violence.
One survivor recounted horrific experiences, revealing the deep-rooted prejudice they face, "He used to call me a 'disgusting black'. He raped me and said: 'This is what women were made for,'" highlighting the brutal treatment many endure simply because of their ethnicity. The discrimination extends beyond adults, with children also participating in the systemic racism directed at black individuals in the region.
