Emad Al-Trabelsi, the Libyan Minister of Interior within the Government of National Unity, has called for enhanced support for specialized agencies to combat the phenomenon of irregular migration. He highlighted that the number of migrants in Libya might exceed three million.
This appeal was made during his chairmanship of the ministerial meeting of the Interior Ministers participating in the Mediterranean Migration Forum, held in Tripoli. The meeting was attended by ministers and representatives from Italy, Malta, Tunisia, Turkey, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Sudan, Senegal, Chad, Spain, Greece, along with the United Nations mission and other international organizations.
Al-Trabelsi emphasized the severe impact of irregular migration on Libya and the destination countries, noting that approximately 90,000 to 120,000 migrants enter Libya monthly from the desert. He reported that around 760,000 migrants arrived this year until early July, with only 6,000 being deported.
He stressed that Libya is the first line of defense and that Europe’s security begins at Libya’s borders with Sahel and Sahara nations. The Libyan state is committed to an agreement with Italy and Malta to maintain their security.
Al-Trabelsi urged for tangible support through official channels like the Ministry of Interior, pointing out that Europe’s support has been minimal. Despite Libya spending approximately 350 million dollars last year on migration issues, the aid from international organizations did not exceed 30 million euros.
The Tripoli meeting discussed joint security cooperation to tackle irregular migration and explored comprehensive solutions to benefit all affected countries.
