Libya bars 10 international NGOs

Authorities cite 'hostile' support for migrants as reason, writes AFP

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TRIPOLI: Libya is a key depar-ture point on North Africa's Mediterranean coast for migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan African countries, seeking dangerous sea voyages in the hope of reach-ing Europe.

Libyan authorities announced on Wednesday a decision to suspend the work of 10 international humanitar-ian groups, accusing them of plans to "settle migrants" from other parts of Africa in the country.

Salem Gheith, spokesman for the Libyan Internal Security Agency (ISA), said that the barred NGOs were involved in "hostile actions that undermine" national security.

"The plan to settle migrants of African origin in Libya is seen as a historical act, which aims at altering the demographic composition of the country and threatens Libyan society," Gheith told a news conference.