Libya’s illegal migration: the urgent need for a new strategy – The Conversation AU
Migrants arrive in the coastal city of Tripoli, Libya, May 26, 2017.
Over 50 migrants went missing at sea and 2,500 were rescued over the June 10 2017 weekend, after leaving Libya. According to the UN refugee agency, the migrants mainly from sub-Sahara Africa were found on flimsy dinghies off the coast of Libya. And eight were found dead on inflatable boats.
According to the International Organisation for Migration, arrivals of migrants crossing the Mediterranean this year are on the rise. The number had already reached an estimated 60,521 by May 24 2017, with around 80% arriving in Italy. By the same date, 1,530 had died at sea.
An overwhelming majority travel through Libya, despite the risk that the country presents.
On May 25, the Libyan coastguard allegedly opened fire on a migrant boat, forcing hundreds to jump off into the water. All up, 34 people, including children, drowned.
Libya is at the centre of bilateral and multilateral strategies to reduce migration flows to the EU. The country of 6.4 million people currently faces a complicated transition after toppling its long-term leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, which led to much instability.
It has struggled to impose order on the many armed militia that have been fighting for power since Gaddafis fall.
In February, the current transitional internationally recognised-government led by Prime Minister Fayaz Al Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding with Italy to combat illegal migration. The approach adopted by the EU and Italy aims to give Libya a major role in illegal migration control and refugee protection in exchange for assistance and funding.
The proposition came a few weeks before the Valletta Summit in Malta, where the EU agreed to intensify efforts to reinforce Libyas capacity to fight smuggling and transit activities. These programs intend to train and equip the coast guard, strengthen border control in the south of Libya, foster the countrys hosting capacity for blocked and readmitted migrants, and fight smuggling.
But, in Libya and in Europe, many argue against pursuing these types of agreements. The MOU between Libya and Italy was blocked on March 22 by the Tripoli Appeals Court for lack of approval by Libyas House of Representatives .
Outside Libya, observers think that outsourcing the control and management of migration flows to a country ridden with conflicts and without an effective government has serious implications for the living conditions and human rights of tens of thousands of people.
There are also other reasons to wonder whether such strategies would work in Libya. One of them as pointed out by the Malta program propositions is the business model of migrant smugglers.
Libyan migrant-smuggling routes follow ancient paths. Some recent archaeological research shows them to potentially be pre-Islamic and as old as from the third century AD.
Also known as Trans-Saharan trade routes, they were crucial for merchants during the Arabo-Islamic expansion around the seventh and eighth century AD.
Today, they still run through both the west and east of Libya, connecting the Sahel to the Mediterranean via the vast and difficult to control expanses of the desert in the countrys southern regions.
In post- revolution Libya, old and new forms of trafficking, including human trafficking, still take place. The Gaddafi regime used to rely on some local tribes to control these routes and took advantage of trafficking and smuggling both politically and financially.
According to a Global Initiative report launched in March 2017, these smuggling routes have developed into much better organised networks and transnational consortia thanks to an active diaspora able to handle routes and volumes of people requiring substantial logistical and financial capacity.
Their consolidation has coincided with a boom in migrants and refugees searching for ways into Europe.
The combination of circumstances has made the smuggling of migrants a very lucrative business for criminal groups, and some people from local communities are also involved.
At the same time, the fragmentation of power structures and the collapse of the countrys economy have increased the risk of smuggling becoming endemic. It also fuels other criminal activities, such as weapons or drugs trafficking.
These endeavours often involve the same tribes and families who used to dominate transregional trade from Western Africa through Niger to Quaatrun, or through Algeria to Ghat on the way to Sebha. But now, they rely heavily on local armed groups that have taken control of routes and strategic infrastructure (including oil fields and airports) and handle cash instead of working with the malfunctioning banking system.
Migration facilitation activities from driving, scouting and recruiting, to the provision of various services in hotspots involve many low-income people living along the routes. A Libyan driver from North Niger to Hamada, south of Tripoli, for instance, makes around 200 dinars (130) for a trip of more than 1000 km of desert tracks and dangerous roads.
The smuggling business has become a primary source of earning directly or indirectly and a factor of corruption in local communities and municipalities. The business is also resilient and reinvents itself when needed, redesigning routes and strategies.
One of the best known examples of this kind of business is Colombias drugs cartels. Their combination of economic and political interests is an extremely powerful and difficult model to counteract with a predominantly security-based approach.
In Libyas case, increasing the capability of local entities, such as the coast guard, for instance, which have been allegedly involved in corruption cases could be counterproductive for migration containment. Even if current strategies could lower the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean in the short term, the humanitarian and security situation in Libya may disastrously deteriorate.
Thousands of people are currently held in Libya, sometimes for as long as ten months. There are between 24 government-run detention centres but militias also own some and build others, making their own rules.
Some migrants might be repatriated, but, according to Unicef reports, other could simply be trafficked.
To tackle migration challenges effectively requires addressing the political economy created by migrant smuggling.
A key objective should be to break the integrated transnational networks that have been consolidating over the past years, to gradually isolate their criminal leadership from other groups and individuals whose livelihood, in the absence of alternatives, has come to depend on the latter.
Success stories of communities turning against smugglers can be found in Libya. In the western city-port of Zuwara, for instance, citizen militias took the fight against smugglers in their own hands, eventually forcing them out out of the city.
But a long-term solution requires economic alternatives to develop the regions affected by smuggling routes and the creation of alternative forms of business opportunities for locals. This approach would eventually help decriminalise the economy.
The right conditions for this could only be created through a political conflict settlement, bringing about a stable economy and the rehabilitation of infrastructure. In the meantime, a parallel step-by-step approach can reduce the pervasiveness of smuggling and undermine the smugglers business model.
A direct dialogue is needed between all major stakeholders to identify concrete solutions based on the available economic opportunities. In south-western Libya, for instance, a normal resumption of production in major oil fields could positively influence local and regional economies.
The El Feel oil field, which used to produce 80,000 barrels per day (bpd) and the Sharara oil field, which resumed production on June 9 and amounts to over 200,000 bpd, will have a positive impact on the local economy through the rehabilitation of electricity production facilities, local airports and transportation infrastructure, as well as through increased revenue of municipalities.
For this to happen, international oil companies present in Libya need to secure the conditions to exploit oil fields that are currently limited by security concerns. It would be in their long-term interest to invest in Libyas local development, rather than paying to protect the oil infrastructure and staff on the ground.
But the armed groups that oil companies rely on for security are often the same that play a key role in smuggling and trafficking networks.
These groups have an interest in further exploiting human smuggling as its revenues allow them to run and maintain the costly military units that are central to their power and influence.
To counter human smuggling, key stakeholders such as Europe, international oil companies, Libyan economic actors (the National Oil Company, for instance, and the Central Bank) should promote and facilitate local dialogue.
Discussions should focus on political recognition and inclusion of the leadership of some of the armed groups as well as of the tribal communities they belong to, especially those that have a history of marginalisation.
A form of judicial protection for those who have committed crimes could provide the needed quid pro quo to push leaders to disarm and exit the smuggling business. Armed groups rank and file could be assisted in finding alternative ways to make a living, and would probably be glad to abandon illegal activities.
Municipalities could facilitate the search for logistical solutions in exchange for increased revenue from resumed oil production, and increased influence and legitimacy.
In the search for effective alternative approaches to illegal migration, dialogue and direct negotiations with local stakeholders could lead to the design of adapted, effective policies. They should not be neglected.
See the original post here:
Libya's illegal migration: the urgent need for a new strategy - The Conversation AU
- Libya's reconstruction of Derna: 'A windfall for the Haftar clan' - Le Monde - September 21st, 2024 [September 21st, 2024]
- Court convicts former ambassadors, health officials, and cultural attachs at Libyan mission in Ukraine - Libya Herald - September 21st, 2024 [September 21st, 2024]
- Libyan European Transport Forum takes place in Tunis from 19 to 20 September - Libya Herald - September 21st, 2024 [September 21st, 2024]
- Sudan Situation: Sudanese Refugees and Asylum-Seekers in Libya - As of 15 Sep 2024 - ReliefWeb - September 21st, 2024 [September 21st, 2024]
- Egypt follows deadly overturning incident of vehicle carrying Egyptians in Libya - Egypt Today - September 21st, 2024 [September 21st, 2024]
- From Russia to Libya: Israel Has Adopted the Appalling Practice of Drafting Asylum Seekers - Haaretz - September 16th, 2024 [September 16th, 2024]
- With reconstruction in mind, can Turkey-Egypt thaw offer lifeline for Libya? - Al-Monitor - September 16th, 2024 [September 16th, 2024]
- FIFA Futsal World Cup: Libya emerge victorious, Angola stumble in opening ties. - CAFOnline.com - September 16th, 2024 [September 16th, 2024]
- Libya's central bank chaos must serve as a wake-up call for the West - Euronews - September 14th, 2024 [September 14th, 2024]
- One year since flooding devastated Libya - WBUR News - September 14th, 2024 [September 14th, 2024]
- Civil society should work together to be the drivers of change and overcome the divide in Libya, says USG DiCarlo [EN/AR] - ReliefWeb - September 14th, 2024 [September 14th, 2024]
- EU EXTERNAL PARTNERS: Frontex Denies Involvement in Pushbacks and Defends 400 Million Expansion Tender Thousands Pushed Back to Niger from Algeria... - September 14th, 2024 [September 14th, 2024]
- One-Year Commemoration of the Eastern Libya Floods - UNICEF - September 14th, 2024 [September 14th, 2024]
- Internal Shadows: The Unseen Plights of Libya's IDPs - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - September 14th, 2024 [September 14th, 2024]
- Focus - Libya: One year after deadly floods, reconstruction in full swing in Derna - FRANCE 24 English - September 12th, 2024 [September 12th, 2024]
- Libya's Derna floods: Mourning a year later the loss of mums, dads and kids - BBC.com - September 12th, 2024 [September 12th, 2024]
- Turkey interested in Libya's offer of offshore exploration, says energy minister - Reuters - September 12th, 2024 [September 12th, 2024]
- A year on, Libya flood survivors grieve for their dead - Reuters - September 12th, 2024 [September 12th, 2024]
- Libya, EIA forecasts oil production of 600.000 barrels in the remaining months of 2024 - Agenzia Nova - September 12th, 2024 [September 12th, 2024]
- UNICEF Fact sheet: One - Year commemoration of the Eastern Libya floods [EN/AR] - ReliefWeb - September 12th, 2024 [September 12th, 2024]
- Goals and summary of the Benin 2-1 Libya in the Qualifiers CAF - VAVEL.com - September 12th, 2024 [September 12th, 2024]
- Libya is a step further towards adapting to climate change: GIZ - Libya Herald - September 12th, 2024 [September 12th, 2024]
- In Libya's Derna, Haftar using reconstruction to boost popularity one year after floods - Middle East Eye - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Top U.S. General Meets With Alleged War Criminal in Libya - The Intercept - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Libya: Internal Security Agency must be held accountable for deaths in custody, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention - Amnesty... - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- UNICE Fact sheet: One - Year commemoration of the Eastern Libya floods [EN/AR] - ReliefWeb - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Eastern Libya signs MoU to construct its section of the Egypt Libya - Chad Transit Road Project - Libya Herald - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Libya factions agree to appoint central bank governor in bid to ease crisis - Reuters.com - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Never mind the BRICS, focus on Libya - Duvar English - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Libya Construction Expo 2024 will be held from 28 to 31 October at Tripoli International Fairgrounds - Libya Herald - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- AmCham Libya supporting high-level Libyan delegation to WEFTEC 2024 5 to 9 October, New Orleans, Louisiana - Libya Herald - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Libya at the brink of an imminent power crisis due to shortage of fuel - The North Africa Post - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Benin vs Libya Prediction and Betting Tips | 10th September 2024 - Sportskeeda - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Egyptian food exports to Libya amounted to US$ 183 million up to July an increase of 18 percent - Libya Herald - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Turkey Blocks Libya Arms Inspection For 12th Time, Raising Concerns About Commitment To Embargo - GreekCityTimes.com - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Africa News Tonight: China-Africa summit winds down, UN tries to end dispute over Libya central bank, Malawi aims to boost road safety - VOA Africa - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Notorious human trafficker sanctioned by the UN killed in Western Libya - The Jerusalem Post - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Libya central bank governor, other bankers flee to avoid militias, FT says - Reuters - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- Expert predicts revolution in Libya, fears crisis far worse than 2011 - The Jerusalem Post - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- Libya: UN report urges accountability for years of human rights violations in Tarhuna - OHCHR - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- Africa File, August 29, 2024: North African Competition in the Sahel; Libya on the Edge; Burkina Faso is Spiraling - Institute for the Study of War - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- 'Crumbling': Libya's warring factions dig in for fight over oil profits - Middle East Eye - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- Oil Drops in Technical Correction From Rally on Libya Disruption - Yahoo Finance - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- Libya upheaval: Why Turkey is mum over heightened tensions in Tripoli - Al-Monitor - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- Libya: The President of the Senate asks to shed light on the death of Bija - Agenzia Nova - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- Libya : Ousted central bank governor flees with the keys - Africa Intelligence - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- U.S. calls for steps to maintain the credibility of the CBL - Libya Herald - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- U.S. crude oil rebounds nearly 2% on major supply disruption in Libya and Iraq output cut - CNBC - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- Libya: Italian cuisine protagonist of the Mena Agro Food Expo 2024 in Benghazi - Agenzia Nova - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- Is there an end in sight for the Libya oil crisis? - The National - September 2nd, 2024 [September 2nd, 2024]
- All of Libya Held Hostage by Gunmen Targeting the Central Bank - The Washington Institute - August 25th, 2024 [August 25th, 2024]
- Sophie Kemkhadze joins as the new Resident Representative in Libya - United Nations Development Programme - August 25th, 2024 [August 25th, 2024]
- EU official targets Trkiye over growing influence in Africa, Libya - Trkiye Today - August 25th, 2024 [August 25th, 2024]
- Libya's instability will worsen further without a unified government and elections, UN envoy says - The Associated Press - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- Will turmoil in Libya spill over into the region? - Al Jazeera English - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- Libya: Behind abduction and failed central bank coup in Tripoli - Al-Monitor - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- UN officials warn of further instability in Libya without elections soon - The Jerusalem Post - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- Production at Libya's Sharara oilfield rises to 85,000 bpd to supply refinery, sources say - Reuters - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- Small volumes of gas flowing to Italy from Libya - MEED - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- Libya: the Brega oil company distributes fuel to citizens affected by floods in the south - Agenzia Nova - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- Libyan Industry Union organises workshop on Libyan Industrial Exports - Reality and Prospects - Libya Herald - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- Conflict Is Brewing in Libya Once Again - OilPrice.com - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- Libya's Almadar Aljadid, Vox Solutions ink SMS and voice gateway deal - Connecting Africa - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- UN warns of rapidly deteriorating situation in Libya - Morning Star Online - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- Arbitrary detentions and impunity widespread in Libya, warns UNs Trk - Welcome to the United Nations - July 10th, 2024 [July 10th, 2024]
- Mass Graves of Migrants in Libya: An End to a Dream for a Better Life in Europe - Asharq Al-awsat - English - July 10th, 2024 [July 10th, 2024]
- Marshal Haftar Meets with Greek Ambassador to Strengthen Bilateral Relations - Libya Update - July 10th, 2024 [July 10th, 2024]
- Morocco And The UN: Paving The Path To Peace In Libya OpEd - Eurasia Review - July 10th, 2024 [July 10th, 2024]
- Libya and Russia discuss reactivating the construction of the railway project - Libya Herald - July 10th, 2024 [July 10th, 2024]
- UN probing reported mass grave on Libya-Tunisia border - Yahoo! Voices - July 10th, 2024 [July 10th, 2024]
- NDA Partners with Turkish Firm TGG to Construct Modern Tower Complex in Benghazi - Libya Update - July 10th, 2024 [July 10th, 2024]
- Efforts to increase trade between Indonesia and Libya - Libya Herald - July 10th, 2024 [July 10th, 2024]
- EU says ready to support Libya's efforts to achieve peace and transitional justice - The Libya Observer - July 10th, 2024 [July 10th, 2024]
- AmCham Libya hosts meetings during recent visit of U.S. Embassy Commercial and Economic Officer David Morrison - Libya Herald - July 8th, 2024 [July 8th, 2024]
- Spanish doctors visit Libya in their 12th campaign 500 surgeries would have been performed since 2022 - Libya Herald - July 8th, 2024 [July 8th, 2024]
- Libyan olive oil wins gold and silver in U.S. olive oil competition - Libya Herald - July 8th, 2024 [July 8th, 2024]
- As fighting rages in Sudan, refugee aid efforts expand to two new countries - ReliefWeb - July 8th, 2024 [July 8th, 2024]
- Libya's special envoy resigned. What's next for the country? - Atlantic Council - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- Comment: The IVECO-TbCo impasse was resolved by hard work and determination to continue a business relationship ... - Libya Herald - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]
- Two Libyan olive oil brands win gold at Athens International Olive Oil Competition 2024 - Libya Herald - May 27th, 2024 [May 27th, 2024]