Libya’s Hostility Towards Nigerian Migrants Escalates: Reports of Torture and Sexual Abuse.
Nigerians and other African migrants in Libya are enduring widespread human rights violations, including torture, exploitation, discrimination, detention, and abuse.
Several Nigerians living in Libya shared their harrowing experiences with The Point, detailing how they have faced dehumanization, extortion, and illegal detention at the hands of Libyans, their government, and militias.
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In telephone interviews, they described escalating xenophobia and hostility from Libyan citizens. They reported frequent arrests by security operatives and militias, who demand exorbitant sums for bail. These arrests often lack any justification, with operatives breaking into homes and detaining individuals, including women and children.
One Nigerian woman recounted, “A pregnant friend was arrested last week, and we are scrambling to raise money for her bail. The bail amount is close to N1 million. If you can’t pay, you risk dying in prison due to the filthy and overcrowded conditions.”
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Sexual abuse against Nigerian women by Libyan men is also reportedly worsening. A Nigerian in Libya shared, “Libyan men, armed and dangerous, often sexually abuse Nigerian women in public. Because of cultural restrictions, they turn to migrant women to satisfy their urges.”
Reports indicate that the Libyan government plans to repatriate around 400 Nigerians to reduce the migrant population. A Nigerian man named Ola confirmed, “Libya is openly tired of migrants, offering free flights for repatriation. The situation will likely worsen after this exercise.”
A video obtained by The Point showed migrants being neutralized at Libya’s borders, aiming to restrict further migration. Non-state actors are reportedly profiting from this chaos.
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David Yambio, spokesperson and co-founder of Refugees in Libya, shared videos of secret prisons where migrants are tortured. He urged the Libyan government and the European Commission to end these abuses.
The United Nations recently discovered a mass grave along the Libyan-Tunisian desert, indicating that more migrants are dying in the Sahara than at sea. UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemned these ongoing abuses, urging Libyan authorities to investigate and address these crimes.
A report by the UN Human Rights Council highlighted widespread human trafficking, torture, forced labor, extortion, starvation, and mass expulsions in Libya, affecting both state and non-state actors.
In response to these abuses, Nigeria’s Diaspora Commission Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, was unavailable for comment.
Libya deported 163 Nigerian migrants in February 2024, with plans to deport another 160 soon. In January, over 320 Nigerians were rescued from Libya with the help of the International Organisation for Migration.
Libya has become a key departure point for African migrants attempting to reach Europe, despite the risks. As countries like the UK tighten immigration policies, many Nigerians continue to seek escape from worsening economic conditions and naira devaluation.
Libya’s Hostility Towards Nigerian Migrants Escalates: Reports of Torture and Sexual Abuse.
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