Libya's suspension of 10 international aid groups accused of trying to alter the country's ethnic make-up has caused deep concern in the humanitarian community, with experts saying it is part of a wider effort to shift focus from internal issues while pressing Europe for political and economic concessions.
The Tripoli-based government announced last week it was revoking the permits of the Norwegian Refugee Council, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the UNHCR and seven other organisations, accusing them of plotting to change the country's demographics by enabling the long-term settlement of African migrants.
War-torn Libya remains a major transit centre for migrants who risk Mediterranean crossings in hopes of reaching Europe. The move against aid groups comes amid an increased anti-migrant stance across North Africa and the tightening EU-backed migration controls.
The UN has expressed alarm over the deteriorating situation for migrants in Libya, where rights groups continue to document widespread abuse in detention centres.
MSF confirmed to The National that Libyan authorities had halted its operations on March 27 after the Internal Security Agency closed its centres and interrogated staff.
“Since mid-March, the ISA has been summoning and interrogating the staff of international non-governmental organisations that provide care to migrants and refugees in Libya, as well as members of private medical clinics collaborating on these activities," said Tim Shenk, the organisation’s spokesman. "Referrals to these health facilities have been stopped following orders by the ISA to end admissions of refugees and migrant patients."
He said MSF was "very concerned" about the consequences the orders will have on the health of patients and on the safety of humanitarian workers.
“MSF has always worked in collaboration with the Libyan health authorities. We have continuously been authorised to work in the country and duly registered by competent authorities," Mr Shenk said. "The only purpose of our actions in Libya is to provide medical care to people in need."
More than a decade after the Nato-backed uprising that ousted Muammar Qaddafi, Libya continues to struggle with deep political divides and instability. The country is split between the Government of National Accord in Tripoli and a rival eastern administration backed by military commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. Efforts to bridge the divisions between these factions have not achieved lasting stability.
But the Libyan government said the aid group suspensions were justified.
“This plan to settle migrants of African origin in our country represents a hostile act. It aims to change the demographic composition of the country and threatens the balance of Libyan society,” said Salem Gheit, a spokesman for Libya’s Internal Security Authority.
The agency said the organisations were also suspected of laundering money because they avoided transparency in how financial transfers are made for their projects and how they exchange foreign for local currency.
“Since 2021, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh’s Tripoli government has shown populist, demagogic and authoritarian tendencies,” Libya expert Jalel Harchaoui told The National. “Though not entirely new, these have grown amid tougher challenges: a faltering cohabitation with the Haftar family in the east; and galloping fiscal deficits that limit access to public funds.”
Mr Harchaoui said that in response to Field Marshal Haftar's consolidation of power, Mr Dbeibeh is trying to assert himself, pushing for harsher territorial control and demonising sub-Saharan migrants, while accusing mostly western NGOs of interference.
As he aims to appear ”large and in charge” by attacking NGOs and stoking anti-migrant sentiment, he seeks to project the “illusion” of a government committed to reducing migration in the North African country and pressuring European donors for more financial support.
Italy last week pledged €20 million ($21.8 million) to the International Organisation for Migration to fund “voluntary repatriations” for 3,300 sub-Saharan African migrants stranded in Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Timeline
1947
Ferrari’s road-car company is formed and its first badged car, the 125 S, rolls off the assembly line
1962
250 GTO is unveiled
1969
Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder, acquiring 50 per cent of the company
1972
The Fiorano circuit, Ferrari’s racetrack for development and testing, opens
1976
First automatic Ferrari, the 400 Automatic, is made
1987
F40 launched
1988
Enzo Ferrari dies; Fiat expands its stake in the company to 90 per cent
2002
The Enzo model is announced
2010
Ferrari World opens in Abu Dhabi
2011
First four-wheel drive Ferrari, the FF, is unveiled
2013
LaFerrari, the first Ferrari hybrid, arrives
2014
Fiat Chrysler announces the split of Ferrari from the parent company
2015
Ferrari launches on Wall Street
2017
812 Superfast unveiled; Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
What is tokenisation?
Tokenisation refers to the issuance of a blockchain token, which represents a virtually tradable real, tangible asset. A tokenised asset is easily transferable, offers good liquidity, returns and is easily traded on the secondary markets.
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 268hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 380Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: CVT auto
Fuel consumption: 9.5L/100km
On sale: now
Price: from Dh195,000
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The Beach Bum
Director: Harmony Korine
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg
Two stars
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Paris Can Wait
Dir: Eleanor Coppola
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Diane Lane, Arnaud Viard
Two stars
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E261hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400Nm%20at%201%2C750-4%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C999%20(VX%20Luxury)%3B%20from%20Dh149%2C999%20(VX%20Black%20Gold)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
