The power struggle in Libya has impacted the situation of Libyan detainees in South Africa, which announced on Saturday that it had canceled the visas of 95 Libyan nationals detained a day earlier at a suspected “secret military camp” in White River, a holiday town in the northeastern Mpumalanga province.
The interim Government of National Unity, led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, denied any link to the group arrested there. Meanwhile, the National Stability Government, led by Osama Hammad, promised to provide legal support to the detainees.
Dbeibeh’s government has asked the military prosecutor and the Libyan embassy in South Africa to contact the authorities in Johannesburg for more information about the case.
It also expressed willingness to participate in the investigation, ensure the detainees’ safety, and make sure they are treated according to international agreements.
The Government of National Unity also condemned any actions that could threaten the peace, security, or sovereignty of neighboring or friendly countries.
It emphasized that Libya has moved beyond such cross-border activities, which have previously harmed the country’s security and stability. The government also criticized the involvement of Libyan citizens in these incidents.
Meanwhile, the National Stability Government, represented by its acting Foreign Minister Abdel Hadi Al-Hweij, announced plans to provide legal support for the Libyan detainees abroad.
In a televised statement on Friday, Al-Hweij said he is closely monitoring the situation of the detained Libyans.
He emphasized that his ministry aims to ensure the detainees receive legal assistance and that their detention conditions are appropriate, protecting their rights and ensuring fair legal procedures are followed.
