Authorities in eastern Libya have banned citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia from entering the country by land, sea, or air, citing border control concerns. The measure includes exemptions for diplomats and professionals working in the health and education sectors. The move appears aimed at curbing migration toward Libya’s coast, a major departure point for people attempting dangerous sea crossings to Europe. The ban follows months of rising hostility toward refugees in both eastern and western Libya, including mass arrests documented by Amnesty International. Many migrants intercepted at sea are returned to Libyan detention centers, where UN-commissioned investigators have documented forced labor, beatings, rape, and torture that amount to crimes against humanity.
AP