The Libyan government has rejected responsibility for the alleged slave trading of trafficked human beings going on in the country, describing the media coverage as “fierce and blind campaigns”.
After a CNN report uncovered the dehumanising abuse of African migrants in Libya who are being reportedly sold for around N145,000 ($400), the international outrage has grown to deafening heights.
According to a statement released by the Embassy of Libya in Nigeria, the Government of National Accord said the issue of human trafficking is one that the government has been battling for years.
The government claimed that the country itself has been harmed as the hub of African migrants trying to sneak their way illegally into Europe through the Mediterranean sea.
The statement read in part, “Libya considers such matter, if accurate, is a result of illegal immigration. Libya is harmed of it, she rejects being held responsible.
“Solving the issue of illegal immigrants is a collective responsibility to the countries of origin, transit and destination. Moreover, Libya spends a lot of money to construct and manage camps to accommodate the immigrants and facilitate their voluntary return to their countries.”
“The Libyan Authority has immediately instructed the relevant authority to carry out a comprehensive investigation on this criminal claim according to the Libyan law and reveal its findings to local and international community; apprehend and punish persons responsible for it, be it human trafficking of immigrants or human trading.
“We emphasise on important issue of saving immigrants from suffering and political execrations.
“Libya and its people are Africans, jointly invests in African countries and open its border to African brothers, she accepts more than two million African workers from different countries working in different fields and legally live in dignity in Libya. Libya has bug investments in African countries worth over $10 billion.”
Days ago, at the European Union-African Union summit in Cote d’Ivoire, African and European leaders agreed on an urgent evacuation plan that would see about 15,000 people flown out of Libya.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate