Tripoli, Libya – (African Boulevard News) – In a protest rally held on Monday, Libyans took to the streets to express their discontent with the ongoing recruitment of migrants by local militias. The rally, which was held in the coastal city of Zawiya, some 45 kilometres west of the capital Tripoli, saw protesters carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding an end to the practice, which they claim has contributed to an increase in human trafficking and illegal migration.
Many of the migrants seeking to cross the Mediterranean for Europe use Zawiya as a departure point. The city has become a hub for migrants seeking work while they wait for the opportunity to travel across the sea. However, according to protestors, local militias have been recruiting these migrants and forcing them to join their ranks. This has resulted in a situation where many migrants have been held against their will and exploited for the militias’ benefit.
At the protest, local citizens expressed their frustration, saying that human trafficking and illegal migration have become rampant in the area. They accused the militias of exploiting migrants for their own benefit and failing to protect them from the dangers of the sea. Many protestors said they wanted the militias to be held accountable for their actions and demanded that the government take steps to end the practice.
“Illegal migration and human trafficking have become a huge problem in this area,” said one protestor. “We want the militias to stop exploiting migrants and to be held accountable for their actions. We also want the government to take steps to protect migrants and prevent them from being forced into such dangerous situations.”
The protest comes amidst growing concerns over the situation in Libya, which has become a major transit point for migrants seeking to travel to Europe. The country has been in turmoil since the overthrow of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with armed militias controlling different parts of the country. The lack of proper governance and security has allowed human trafficking to become a significant problem, with thousands of people risking their lives to make the perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea.
The United Nations has estimated that there are currently over 600,000 migrants in Libya, many of whom are living in dire conditions. The situation has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit the country hard and made it even more challenging for migrants to access basic services.
As the protest in Zawiya makes clear, there is a growing sense of frustration amongst Libyans over the situation in their country. It remains to be seen what steps the government will take to address the issues raised by the protestors and protect the rights of migrants in the country.
