Several meetings are being held between security officials in Libya and Niger, under the auspices of the European Union in the framework of combating illegal immigration.
The Head of the European Union Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM), Natalina Cea stressed that “integrated cooperation between Sahel countries is key to combating illegal trafficking, including the flow of irregular migrants crossing the desert.”
Cea explained that “Libya and Niger share a desert border that has witnessed, in recent years, armed gangs, violence, and illegal trafficking due to the absence of government forces.”
She added that “it is necessary to establish close cooperation between the two countries, to re-establish a minimum level of security in the common areas across the borders in the interest of the stability of the region, and the creation of opportunities for development.”
The official emphasised that “the effectiveness of these measures depends largely on restoring the state’s presence in the cross-border areas in southern Libya, and northern Niger. As well as the participation of the local population.”
Cea stressed that the key to controlling the borders that Libya shares with Algeria, Niger, Chad, Sudan and Egypt lies in an integrated approach. She referred to the equipment and technologies that Italy and Europe could supply to southern Mediterranean states, with existing legal frameworks for these countries for cooperation. Such as the quadruple agreement between Libya, Niger, Chad, and Sudan to control borders and combat illegal trade. She also stressed that this could be a good starting point for financing international projects.
In January, Cea met with Libyan Border Guards managers. They discussed joint cooperation on border security, and surveillance efforts.
The Head of EUBAM, accompanied by Commander Fawzi Al-Fiqi, made a follow-up visit to the specialised training center which is under rehabilitation, in the framework of a mission project.
According to EUBAM, when ready, the training center could host almost a hundred trainees from across Libya.
