Greece and the Libyan National Army (LNA) are deepening their cooperation in military training and border security, in a strategic effort to counter the growing tide of illegal migration across the Mediterranean, according to a report published by the Greek daily Kathimerini.
The report states that Athens is preparing to welcome the first group of Libyan army officers and personnel for specialized training under a bilateral agreement reached between Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, and Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.
The training program will focus on equipping members of the Libyan Coast Guard with advanced skills in vessel inspection, interdiction operations, and boarding suspicious ships. It will also include search-and-rescue procedures to enhance the Libyan forces’ operational readiness.
In addition to training, Haftar reportedly requested Greek support in repairing aging Libyan Coast Guard vessels and supplying multi-purpose patrol vehicles. These would be deployed to monitor Libya’s southern borders with Egypt and Sudan — critical routes often used by irregular migrants.
The article highlights that this growing partnership signifies a marked improvement in Greek-Libyan relations, particularly with eastern Libya, following a period of political tensions. It also notes that cooperation with Turkey on training initiatives has not deterred the LNA from strengthening ties with other international partners.
The report further points to a sharp rise in displaced persons arriving in Libya from war-torn Sudan, particularly along routes leading to the Mediterranean coast. This influx is increasing pressure on European nations, especially Greece, which continues to experience a surge in migrant arrivals despite implementing stricter asylum regulations and detaining new arrivals upon entry.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
