Libya expels 10 aid groups for helping African migrants

In early April 2025, Libyan authorities ordered the suspension of operations for ten international aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, the UN refugee agency, and the Norwegian Refugee Council. The authorities accused these organizations of violating local laws by providing aid to African migrants and helping to resettle them in Libya, which officials claimed threatens the country’s demographic composition. The Libyan Internal Security Authority specifically accused these groups of engaging in activities that contribute to what they describe as a hostile act against Libyan society. The accusations followed a long-standing narrative that positions Libya as merely a transit country for migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, seeking to reach Europe. In recent years, Libya has witnessed a significant influx of migrants fleeing conflict and poverty. The authorities argue that the support provided by international NGOs facilitates the settlement of migrants in Libya, thus changing its demographic landscape. This stance echoes concerns previously raised by neighboring Tunisia and contributes to a growing atmosphere of hostility toward African migrants. Organizations impacted by the expulsion have highlighted the dire conditions faced by migrants in Libya. Humanitarian groups report that sub-Saharan migrants experience severe rights violations, including violence, forced labor, and sexual abuse. Many migrants reveal having faced enormous obstacles in accessing essential services, such as healthcare. Consequently, the suspension of these organizations’ operations could exacerbate the already vulnerable situation of migrants, cutting them off from vital assistance during a critical time. The Libyan government’s actions illustrate the complex legal and societal challenges that arise when addressing the issues of migration and humanitarian assistance. Authorities have not publicly provided substantial evidence of the specific allegations against the aid groups but have asserted that their operations violate local laws regarding state security. The ongoing situation raises critical ethical questions regarding the rights of migrants, the responsibilities of humanitarian organizations, and the political implications of demographic changes in countries like Libya that are at the crossroads of migration routes.