Libya expels aid groups accused of 'African' population plot

The Libyan government has recently taken a significant step by expelling several aid organizations that have been accused of attempting to alter the ethnic makeup of the country. These organizations, which include well-known groups like Doctors Without Borders and the UN refugee agency, have been accused of encouraging African migrants to remain in Libya. The government has ordered these ten aid groups to shut down their operations, claiming that their actions represent a threat to the demographic balance of Libyan society. Salem Gheit, a spokesperson for the Internal Security Authority, stated, '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 statement has drawn criticism and has been labeled as a form of anti-black racism. Libya, located on the Mediterranean coast, has become a crucial transit point for many African migrants seeking to reach Europe. Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country has experienced a breakdown in governance, leading to the rise of armed militias and human traffickers. Libya is now divided between two rival administrations, each controlling different parts of the country. Reports have surfaced accusing these militias of operating detention centers where migrants face horrific conditions, including beatings and starvation. The Libyan authorities have not publicly addressed these serious allegations. The expulsion of the aid groups was ordered by the internationally recognized government based in Tripoli. Doctors Without Borders announced a week prior to the expulsion that they had suspended their operations in Libya due to ongoing harassment from the authorities. They reported that staff members from international NGOs were being summoned and interrogated, which raised concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers and the health of patients in need of assistance. In response to the government's actions, the UN refugee agency has defended its work, emphasizing that the individuals they assist are not merely migrants but refugees in desperate need of help. They also stated that they operate with the consent of the Tripoli government. William Spindler, a spokesperson for the UNHCR, said, 'We are in contact with the authorities in Libya and are following up with them to seek clarity. UNHCR has been operating in Libya for over 30 years, providing humanitarian assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, and vulnerable Libyan communities. ' One of the accusations made against the ten aid groups is that they support illegal migrants by providing them with essential items such as food, clothing, and medical care. The Libyan government believes that this assistance encourages migrants to view Libya as a permanent destination rather than a temporary stop on their journey to Europe. However, many migrants express a desire to leave Libya, as they have faced severe human rights abuses and degrading treatment during their time in the country. Reports indicate that sub-Saharan African migrants have been subjected to violence, starvation, and sexual assault. One woman recounted her traumatic experience, 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 discrimination faced by migrants, noting that even children in Libya treat them poorly, calling them names and insulting them for their African heritage. This troubling situation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and protection of the rights of migrants and refugees in Libya.