On Wednesday, Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani reaffirmed his commitment to stemming the tide of immigration flows from Libya and Tunisia, according to the Italian Aki news agency
In press statements, Tajani highlighted the Italian government’s rigorous efforts to manage this complex issue.
He further revealed plans for a meeting with the Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba during his ongoing visit to Rome. This comes as part of Italy’s robust commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation.
In addition, the Italian FM warned of the escalation of the political and military situation in Sudan. He expected migration flows to Italy, via Libya, would increase in the coming weeks due to the ongoing unrest.
“There is a state of extreme instability. Many (Sudanese) people go to Chad, and to neighbouring countries, like Egypt,” Tajani said. “Before they get to Italy they will have to go through Libya or Tunisia. it takes a lot to cope with it,” he explained.
“Migration flows are likely to increase in the coming weeks and months. But in the meantime, we are very satisfied with the return of Italian citizens (from Sudan). I thank the crisis unit of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our Ambassador in Khartoum, our diplomats, and officials,” Tajani said.
The recent outbreak of conflict in Sudan will have a negative effect on the situation in neighbouring Libya, particularly in the southern areas of the country, according to the Economist Intelligence website.
On Saturday, Tajani stressed that halting the flow of “illegal” migrants is mainly linked to the improvement of the situation in Libya and Tunisia.
Tajani confirmed that they have “made great efforts at all levels to achieve security and stability in Libya.” He expressed Italy’s desire to “involve all influential countries in Libyan affairs to contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in the country.”
He indicated that “if the situation in Libya stabilizes, this will reflect positively on the security of North Africa as a whole and countries south of the Sahara.”
Notably, the Italian police stated that 53,310 migrants arrived in Italy in 2022.
