عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Libya’s Eastern-Based House of Representatives Condemns Italy's Decision to Deploy More Troops

Libyans clean inside Mitiga airport the day after militiamen attacked it in an attempt to free colleagues held at a jail there, on the eastern outskirts of the Libyan capital Tripoli, on January 16, 2018. (AFP PHOTO / Mahmud TURKIA)
Libyans clean inside Mitiga airport the day after militiamen attacked it in an attempt to free colleagues held at a jail there, on the eastern outskirts of the Libyan capital Tripoli, on January 16, 2018. (AFP PHOTO / Mahmud TURKIA)
TT
20
TT

Libya’s Eastern-Based House of Representatives Condemns Italy's Decision to Deploy More Troops

Libyans clean inside Mitiga airport the day after militiamen attacked it in an attempt to free colleagues held at a jail there, on the eastern outskirts of the Libyan capital Tripoli, on January 16, 2018. (AFP PHOTO / Mahmud TURKIA)
Libyans clean inside Mitiga airport the day after militiamen attacked it in an attempt to free colleagues held at a jail there, on the eastern outskirts of the Libyan capital Tripoli, on January 16, 2018. (AFP PHOTO / Mahmud TURKIA)

Clashes between armed militias ravaging the Libyan capital Tripoli forced the head of the United Nations Mission in Libya Ghassan Salamé to brief the UN Security Council through the video conference from neighboring Tunisia.

On the other hand, Italian military deployment in Libya, where about an additional 30 soldiers are expected to join the original 400, was widely criticized by the Libyan House of representatives.

Salamé said military forces “are flexing their muscles in many parts of the country”, imperiling a peace process centered on creating a united government for the war-scarred nation.

“The very reason that I am not briefing from Tripoli ... as I had planned, is because bloody clashes at the airport have halted all flights in and out of Mitiga airport for the whole week,” said Salamé.

He added that the fragile and shaky status quo is not sustainable and that Libya needs a competent and efficient government that can deliver the public services people desperately need.

The National Defense and Security Committee of the Libyan eastern-based House of Representatives condemned Italy's decision to deploy more troops in the city of Misurata.

"The National Defense and Security Committee condemns the clear violation of Libya's sovereignty by Italy through the Italian House of Representatives vote to approve the increase of its forces in Misurata," the committee said in a statement.

"With this vote, Italy admits the presence of its forces, despite its previous denial of any troops on Libyan territory," the statement added.

The committee warned Italy against "continued violation of Libya's sovereignty," and demanded explanation from Italy.

The Italian parliament on Wednesday approved the increase of Italian troops in Libya.

Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said earlier that Italy will transfer part of its military units from Iraq and Afghanistan to North Africa to combat illegal immigration and counter terrorism threats.

In September 2016, the Italian government sent a non-combat military mission, which includes about 100 special forces personnel, at the request of the Libyan UN-backed government to Misurata, some 200 km east of the capital Tripoli, to provide protection for the Italian field hospital inside Misurata air base.

Most Viewed

 
Arab World

UNHCR Praises Saudi Support Amid Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center distributes food aid in the city of Umm Rawaba, North Kordofan State, Sudan (SPA)
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center distributes food aid in the city of Umm Rawaba, North Kordofan State, Sudan (SPA)
TT
20
TT

UNHCR Praises Saudi Support Amid Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center distributes food aid in the city of Umm Rawaba, North Kordofan State, Sudan (SPA)
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center distributes food aid in the city of Umm Rawaba, North Kordofan State, Sudan (SPA)

A senior United Nations official has described the ongoing crisis in Sudan as one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies, yet also among the least funded. Less than 18 percent of the $1.8 billion needed to support relief operations in 2025 has been secured.

Mamadou Dian Balde, Regional Director of the UNHCR for East Africa, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes, and the agency’s regional refugee coordinator for Sudan, stressed the importance of Saudi Arabia’s continued support.

He noted that the Kingdom’s contribution remains vital to maintaining life-saving aid, especially at a time when global humanitarian funding is shrinking.

During a recent visit to Riyadh, Balde met with key Saudi officials to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation with UNHCR. His discussions focused on supporting over 27 million refugees and displaced individuals across East Africa, the Horn of Africa, and surrounding regions.

He stressed that Saudi Arabia’s partnership, both through direct aid and international collaboration, has played a crucial role in sustaining relief efforts in the face of the largest displacement crisis worldwide.

Balde’s visit included meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), the Saudi Fund for Development, and Islamic development institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development. He also consulted with humanitarian and religious organizations like the Muslim World League and the World Assembly of Muslim Youth.

In Sudan, despite limited resources, UNHCR continues to deliver core services such as refugee registration, relocation to safer areas, and distribution of emergency supplies. This includes shelter kits, blankets, mosquito nets, solar lamps, and kitchen essentials, as well as medical supplies and support for survivors of gender-based violence and unaccompanied children.

Balde highlighted the scale of the crisis, pointing to nearly 13 million Sudanese who have been displaced in just two years, with 4 million fleeing across borders. He warned that displacement is accelerating, citing the arrival of approximately 2,000 new refugees daily in Chad due to recent violence in North Darfur.

With only 11 percent of the regional response plan for Sudan funded, humanitarian actors face difficult choices, often unable to reach all those in need.

Looking ahead, UNHCR’s strategy combines emergency relief with long-term development.

Balde stressed the need to integrate refugees into national systems, improve host community services, and avoid parallel aid structures, Balde told Asharq Al-Awsat.

For 2025, the agency and its partners require $1.8 billion to assist 4.8 million people, including refugees, returnees, and local communities across the region.