Italian political expert Daniele Rovinetti warned of the risks posed by potential instability in Libya to both Italy and Europe at large. Rovinetti, a senior adviser at the Italian think tank Med Or, highlighted an increase in unwanted migration flows in 2023 compared to 2022.
He emphasised the growing centrality of the Mediterranean for Europe. He noted that European coordination on key issues like unwanted migration and stability in the Mediterranean and North Africa is crucial. Rovinetti pointed out the ongoing disputes in Libya’s East and West and continuous protests at several oil fields, suggesting a longer road to peace in Libya.
He also remarked on Libya’s marginalisation in international focus due to the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in Gaza. Rovinetti stresses that disturbances around oil wells could harm not just Libya’s treasury but also Italy, which relies heavily on Libyan gas and oil.
He concluded that a solution in Libya hinges on forming a unified government leading to elections, a goal shared by the international community, the United Nations (UN), and some in Libya, though not all.
A report by The Times newspaper has highlighted a significant increase in the number of Bangladeshi migrants arriving in Italy via Libya, totalling over 3,800 in just the last two months.
Many of these migrants reportedly traveled to Libya through Turkey, paying substantial fees for both air and sea travel. Boat journeys often commence from Zuwara, a prominent coastal city.
This trend points to Libya’s continuing role as a pivotal transit hub, in the Mediterranean migration route. The report also notes that Bangladeshi and Pakistani migrants frequently enter Libya legally on work contracts, particularly in the cleaning sector. Many later move to Zuwara, to embark on perilous sea crossings to Europe.
The Italian Interior Ministry revealed that about 150,000 migrants have arrived in Italy this year, with a significant portion, over 47,000, coming from Libya. Of these, 30,000 embarked from Libya’s West, and 17,000 from the East.
Additionally, NOVA, an Italian news agency, reported that approximately 14,000 intercepted migrants were returned to Libya in 2023.