Libyan authorities have ordered 10 international aid organizations to halt domestic operations and closed offices, accusing them of violating local laws by providing assistance to migrants in Africa.
In a statement, the Internal Security Agency (ISA) said humanitarian organisations are violating the law by providing various forms of support that will help resettle African migrants in Libya.
“We are confirming that the project to resolve illegal immigration of domestic African nationalities represents hostile activity targeting the Libyan demographic,” the ISA said.
The list of affected aid groups includes the Borderless Doctors (MSF), Norwegian Refugee Council, Danish Refugee Council, Tele de Home, Care, Action, Intôs, and the Italian organization CESVI.
Many of these organizations provided significant immediate relief during the catastrophic floods of the country that killed thousands in 2023.
The ISA said the organization is suspected of money laundering as the organization shuns transparency about how financial transfers are made to the project and whether foreign currency will be exchanged for local currency.
Isa spokesman Salem Ghaith said at a press conference that in addition to the closure of their offices, strict legal action will be taken against NGOs.
He said they illegally provided assistance, ranging from cash vouchers, food, housing and medical assistance.
“As a result, they risked crossing the ocean and moving to Europe, and no longer needed to turn Libya into a destination country rather than a transiting country,” Gais said.
In its February update, MSF said that immigrants in Libyan often face violence and are routinely denied health care.
“They live in unstable conditions and are exposed to the scope of violence and abuse, both inside and outside the national detention centers. They are accused, exposed to fear and trafficking practices, and assault or sexually abused, so access to medical care is severely hampered when desperately needed.”
The Libyan government agency said the Norwegian Refugee Council had violated the state regulations that address “national security crimes” by providing financial aid, food supply, cleaning, clothing and medicine to illegal immigrants without the knowledge or permission of Libyan authorities.
Libya shares borders with six countries and has a long coastline along the Mediterranean, but is the main transport for immigrants who have fled war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East and are seeking a better life in Europe.
The International Migration Agency estimates approximately 787,000 migrants and refugees from various countries living in Libya as of 2024.
Libya fell into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising collapsed in 2011, killing longtime dictator Muammar Gadafi.
Since then, the country has been split, with rival governments in the East and West being supported by unjust militias and foreign governments.
