Former Libyan Defence Minister, Mohammed Al-Barghathi, revealed that there are approximately 20,000 mercenaries of different nationalities in Libya. He added that the exit of such mercenaries requires international intervention.
In press statements, Al-Barghathi explained that this number constitutes a threat to the country’s national security, and a burden on the budget in terms of salaries, supplies, and shelter for these groups.
He pointed out that the deportation of these large numbers requires the cooperation of Russia and Turkey, as well as perhaps the assistance of the United Nations (UN) mission and the United States (US) Ambassador to Libya.
The former Minister said that the deportation of mercenaries will help secure the holding of elections during the current year, without interference from parties that impede the electoral process by using these elements.
Notably, the Head of the Libyan National Army (LNA) delegation at the 5+5 Joint Military Committee (JMC), Lieutenant-General Emrajaa Al-Amami, said that removing all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya requires a unified government.
He praised the adoption by the communication committees between Libya, Sudan and Niger of a mechanism for joint coordination regarding the collection and exchange of data about mercenaries, foreign fighters, and opposition movements from neighboring African countries, in preparation for their expulsion.
In exclusive statements to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Al-Amami explained that the committee lined up behind the easiest option, which is to start removing African mercenaries.
Regarding the expected date for the actual start of the withdrawal process, Al-Amami said, “it is not easy to determine the period or even to estimate the number of these African mercenaries, but as long as there is agreement and acceptance by African countries of the idea of their return, this indicates the possibility of overcoming any obstacles.”
The Libyan military official added, “of course, the dilemma remains in distinguishing accurately between those who are on our lands due to illegal immigration, and between mercenaries and opposition movements.”
He underestimated the obstacles posed by some observers regarding the refusal of a sector of African mercenaries to return. This is due to their affiliation with opposition movements or terrorist groups and the issuance of severe criminal sentences against some of them.
Al-Amani pointed out that the African Union (AU) is embarking on an action plan aimed at reconciliation between some opposition movements and their countries, as well as settling the return of other cases.
