The Russian Embassy in Libya has accused the European Union of attempting to transform Libya into a permanent homeland for migrants.
In an official statement issued Friday, the embassy rejected what it described as baseless allegations concerning Russia’s involvement in migration flows through Africa.
The embassy’s remarks came in response to a recent report published by a Libyan local newspaper. The report alleged that Russia was influencing migration patterns in Africa, contributing to instability in the region.
Moscow firmly denied these claims, calling them unfounded and part of a smear campaign.
“If we judge by the hysteria and baseless accusations, it is clear the Europeans are in deep confusion regarding the migrant crisis,” the embassy’s statement said.
“They are now desperately searching for someone to blame,” it added.
The Russian statement went on to assert that the real problem lies with European policies themselves. It accused the EU of intentionally seeking to settle migrants in Libya as a way to prevent them from reaching European shores.
“The Libyan people know very well what the real problem is,” the statement continued. “The EU is trying to turn Libyan territory into a permanent resettlement area for migrants who initially wanted to go to Europe in search of a better life.”
The embassy further criticised Europe’s colonial history, blaming it for the poverty, unemployment, and diseases that have plagued African nations and forced many to migrate. “Colonialism brought nothing but misery to these countries,” the statement concluded.
