Libyan MP, Said Imghib, has publicly criticized recent remarks made by the Italian Foreign Minister, who proposed providing settlement and education to immigrants in the south of Libya.
“The Italian Foreign Minister has crossed all boundaries to the extent of having the audacity to make decisions on our behalf, including the provision of education for immigrants and their settlement in southern Libya,” he said.
The MP recounted an incident that took place three years ago on 19 June 2021, in Benghazi, when he was contacted by the Director of the Parliamentary Policy Support and Research Office. He was informed of the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) Chief of Mission in Libya, Jean-Paul Cavalieri’s wish to meet him. Imghib consented, and a meeting was held that same week, during which Cavalieri commended him and the city of Kufra, while expressing a desire for future meetings in Geneva, Paris, and Tunis.
In the course of their conversation, Cavalieri “suggested the provision of support and services to refugees in southern Libya. He also, somewhat hesitantly, asked for assistance in passing a law or decision from the Parliament that would allow the settlement of refugees in the Kufra region, near the Rebiana Oasis, to facilitate the provision of aid.”
He responded by emphasizing that he and the residents of Kufra “categorically reject the settlement of any immigrants or refugees in southern Libya.” He stressed that “such decisions should be made in accordance with the constitution, which at the time had yet to be drafted.”
Imghib continued, stating that the Parliament also “rejects any resolution or law that allows for the settlement of foreigners, due to the potential risk they pose to the nation’s security and demographic population.”
Upon Cavalieri’s dissatisfaction with his responses, Imghib retorted: “It would have been more appropriate for the commission to provide aid, education, and health services in the home countries of these immigrants and refugees, rather than in Libya, which is merely a transit country. At the very least, support should be given to the cities in southern Libya by creating sustainable development for young people, involved in smuggling activities, thereby putting an end to it. Instead of looking for makeshift solutions and trying to turn Libya into a dump for the world’s African waste.”
The MP concluded by stating that Cavalieri had “noted all observations and promised to study them, and requested an appointment to visit Kufra to inspect its shelters.”
