Residents in Libya's Zuwara push thousands of undocumented migrants from old city

Key Concepts

• Undocumented Migration: The movement of people across borders without the necessary legal documentation.
• Transit Hub: A location used as a stopping point for people traveling to another destination.
• Central Mediterranean Route: A dangerous sea route used by migrants attempting to reach Europe from North Africa, particularly Libya and Tunisia.
• Interception at Sea: The practice of naval forces preventing migrants from reaching their intended destination and returning them to their point of origin.
• Detention Centers: Facilities used to hold migrants, often under harsh conditions.
• Amma Community: Libya’s Amazigh (Berber) community.

Zara, Libya: A City Responding to the Migrant Crisis

The city of Zara, Libya, the largest Berber city in the country, is grappling with its role as a major transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe. Residents express increasing concerns about rising crime rates and strain on essential public services, specifically water and electricity, attributed to the large migrant population. This has led to local activism aimed at reducing the number of undocumented migrants within the city limits.

Local Activism and Displacement from the Old City

Shukria, a founder of a local activist group, details a campaign focused on enforcing existing rental laws. The group pressured landlords in the old city to verify the legal documentation of their tenants. According to Shukria, approximately 90% of landlords complied, resulting in the eviction of tenants lacking proper rental agreements. This campaign significantly reduced the migrant population in the old city, which previously housed an estimated 20,000 individuals. The vacated areas are now undergoing renovation, spearheaded by volunteers, with the intention of transforming the old city into a cultural center for Libya’s Amma community.

Migrant Experiences and Continued Pursuit of Passage to Europe

The report features interviews with migrants currently in Zara, highlighting their motivations and experiences. Sah, a migrant from Tigray, Ethiopia, explains his decision to move to Tripoli in April 2024, stating it offered a better environment for continuing his journey towards Europe. He recounts crossing multiple countries and expresses his hope for eventual passage.

Data presented indicates that in the previous year, nearly 60,000 migrants arrived in Italy from Libya, while over 27,000 were intercepted at sea and returned to Libya. The UN’s migration agency estimates the total migrant population within Libya to be over 928,000. The Central Mediterranean route is identified as exceptionally dangerous, with over 1,300 people dying or going missing at sea in the past year while attempting to reach Europe.

Safety Concerns and Perceptions of Law Enforcement

Yogin, a migrant from Cameroon who arrived in Libya after being held in a detention center in El Zawya, expresses a pervasive sense of insecurity. He describes a climate of fear and distrust towards authorities, stating, “In Libya, we don't know who is a policeman. Everybody in Libya is police.” Yogin appeals for empathy and understanding from citizens of Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ghana, emphasizing that migrants are driven to risk their lives due to suffering in their home countries.

Libya’s Instability and the Appeal of Migration

The report acknowledges Libya’s decade-long period of conflict and political instability. Despite these challenges and the inherent dangers, Libya remains a crucial, albeit perilous, stepping stone for migrants seeking a better life in Europe. Malatrina Alazer, reporting from Zara, underscores the desperation driving this continued influx.

Conclusion

Zara’s experience exemplifies the complex dynamics of migration in North Africa. Local responses to the perceived pressures of a large migrant population, coupled with the inherent risks of the Central Mediterranean route and the instability within Libya itself, create a challenging environment for both residents and migrants. The situation highlights the urgent need for comprehensive and humane migration policies, as well as addressing the root causes of displacement.