The Spokesman of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Ahmed Al-Mismari has underscored the urgent need for Libya to receive financial assistance in tackling the issues of illegal migration, which is plaguing the nation.
He drew attention to the political crisis unsettling the country, which has adversely affected the operations of the LNA. These have reportedly already been undermined by illegal migration, and foreign ambitions.
Al-Mismari stressed the importance of resolving the country’s political crisis, and supporting the LNA in securing the country’s borders with neighbouring states.
In a statement to the Egyptian newspaper Al-Youm 7, Al-Mismari highlighted Libya’s struggle with a security vacuum following the events of the 17 February revolution. This is due to the formation of international cross-border gangs. These groups engage in smuggling weapons, extremists, and illegal migrants, thereby impacting the security and stability of Libya and its neighbours.
He noted, “Libya is suffering from illegal migrants as a transit state, where smuggling gangs transport migrants from neighbouring countries to the Libyan coasts, in preparation for smuggling into Europe.”
Al-Mismari clarified that the shared borders with Libya extend over more than 4,200 kilometers, through harsh and rugged desert regions, making the task of the army challenging.
He affirmed that since the LNA’s arrival in the southwestern cities in January 2019, measures have been implemented to curb illegal migration. He emphasized the importance of European support through specific arrangements, and stages to enable the LNA to minimize, and eventually eradicate the phenomenon in the long term.
Al-Mismari indicated that the army’s leadership has instructed all military units to fight the illegal activities, that affect the country’s security and stability.
He stressed that Libya requires more than 30,000 border guards to secure the shared borders. He added, “The Libyan army has deployed forces to secure the shared borders following the events of 2011, and has requested significant financial support from European countries. As well as mutual cooperation to combat illegal migration.”
