The People’s Voice Party of Libya has expressed deep concern over what it describes as an Italian attempt to revive a migrant resettlement project in southern Libya under the guise of promoting entrepreneurship among farmers.
In a statement, the party explained that the project targets municipalities such as Sabha, Murzuq, Ubari, and Ghat. It argued that changing terminology does not conceal the true objective, which is to settle illegal migrants on Libyan soil.
The party declared its categorical rejection of the resettlement of migrants in Libya, stressing that such projects pose a threat to the country’s social and security stability and constitute an infringement on its sovereignty.
“We refuse to let Libya become a dumping ground for Europe’s migrant crisis,” the statement added. “These projects are merely an attempt to ease Europe’s migration burden at the expense of Libyan sovereignty.”
In February, Italian Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, stated that Italy is actively combating irregular migration by enhancing voluntary return operations from Libya and Tunisia in collaboration with key humanitarian organizations.
Piantedosi addressed the Italian Parliament, saying, “We’re also working to address the root causes fuelling migration flows by stimulating economic and social growth in origin countries through international support and planning extensive medium to long-term investments, effectively achievable within the Matti plan.”
Italy aims, through the Matti plan, to forge a new partnership with African countries to bolster joint, sustainable, and long-term development in both political and economic files to tackle irregular migration.
Italy, being a significant entry point for irregular sea crossings from African countries across the Mediterranean, has repeatedly sought EU assistance in managing the increasing numbers of irregular migrants.
