Italy designated €16 million to Libya and Niger to tackle human trafficking and manage migration flows. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has allocated €8.5 million to three projects in Libya and €7.5 million to three projects in Niger.
These projects aim to train local authorities to manage migration in line with human rights standards, provide courses for migrants and host communities, and facilitate voluntary return operations.
Additionally, activities to support the school system in Libya will create new educational opportunities for both migrants and the communities hosting them. The High Council of State (HCS) advocates for developing countries that are sources of migrants as the radical solution to the problem.
Notably, the Spokesperson of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Ahmed Al-Mismari, 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 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 17th of 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.
