Maghreb Edition

Libya: Thousands of people detained in prisons with little government controlF

Posted On 11 January 2019

Number of times this article was read : 367

United Nations, United States, Jan 10, 2019 – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is urging the Libyan government to bring all prisons under its control and fre from the grip of militias, some of whom run migrant-smuggling networks. Guterres said in a report to the Security Council released Thursday that torture and arbitrary detention is widespread in Libya.

About 6,400 detainees are held in 26 official prisons but “thousands of others” are being held in facilities with little government control or “directly run by armed groups,” said the report. “I remain deeply concerned about widespread human rights violations and abuses committed in the context of detention and the prolonged arbitrary detention of thousands of men, women and children without due process,” wrote Guterres. The government must protect detainees against torture and “all prisons must be under effective government control and free of any influence or interference of armed groups,” he added.

Libya descended into chaos following the 2011 overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi that has seen a bitter rivalry emerge between two governments scrambling for control in the oil-rich north African country. The United Nations backs the government in Tripoli but is working toward holding elections, possibly this year, to unite the country. Guterres also reported that an increase in the number of migrants and refugees who were detained over the past six months was a result of more interceptions at sea and the closure of sea routes to migrants. About 5,300 refugees and migrants have been detained in Libya of whom 3,700 were in need of international protection, he said. In all, there are over 669,000 migrants in Libya, of whom women and children make up 21 percent, according to the report.

By AFP

The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Europe’s New Migration Rules Shift Pressure South to North Africa$

As the European Union prepares to implement its revised migration framework in mid-2026, coordination between Italy and North African states is already reshaping how migration is managed across the Mediterranean. The new approach shifts operational responsibility away from EU territory and toward transit countries in the Maghreb, with a growing focus on returns rather than border enforcement. While framed as regional cooperation, the emerging system raises questions about governance, funding transparency, and the capacity of transit states to absorb migrants who are unable to move forward or return home. The result may be fewer arrivals in Europe, but increased pressure and instability along the southern Mediterranean.

Algeria: Supply Disruptions and Rising Food Prices Amid Transport Strike$

A nationwide freight transport strike in Algeria is disrupting food supply chains and driving sharp price increases across local markets. Reduced truck movements have slowed deliveries to wholesale distribution hubs, limiting the availability of fruits and vegetables and placing pressure on household budgets. Key agricultural and commercial regions are reporting thinning stocks, while retailers warn that prolonged disruption could exhaust remaining supplies. The situation highlights structural vulnerabilities in logistics networks and the direct link between transport continuity, food availability, and price stability.

Irregular Migration to Spain Falls Sharply in 2025 With Decline in Atlantic Crossings$

Irregular migration to Spain declined significantly in 2025 following a record year in 2024, according to official figures. The drop was driven primarily by a sharp reduction in sea crossings to the Canary Islands, long one of Europe’s most dangerous migration routes. Enhanced maritime surveillance and expanded cooperation between Spain, the European Union, and key departure countries in West and North Africa played a central role in reducing Atlantic crossings. At the same time, arrivals to Spain did not disappear but shifted geographically, with increased landings reported in the Balearic Islands via the western Mediterranean. The figures highlight how enforcement measures can reshape migration patterns while leaving underlying pressures and humanitarian risks largely unchanged.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.