Abductions in Libya - A rising epidemic?
In light of recent high profile kidnaping, that got the attention of the world media, and especially the causal media, as #SaveUla is trending worldwide, The Guardian takes a broader look at the situation in Libya. The continuing rise in abductions at the hands of militias highlights how the absence of the rule of law in Libya is fuelling chaos and lawlessness and leaving civilians in the country living in fear. Kidnappings of civilians by militias, often for ransom, have risen sharply since 2014, particularly in the west of the country, where hundreds have gone missing and abductions have become a feature of daily life.
Some of these militias operate nominally under the authority of the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defence of the UN recognised Government of National Accord. Other militias are seemingly affiliated to either of the three factions struggling to gain power in the country.
“This case illustrates the constant dangers posed to civilians by militias who have continued to intimidate the population, instilling fear and dread through a ruthless campaign of abductions. It also highlights the complicity of political and state officials who have thus far failed to put a halt to this lucrative practice by militias,” said Heba Morayef, North Africa Research Director at Amnesty International.
“The authorities must take all measures to end the cycle of violence and fear civilians in Libya are living under today, by effectively investigating such crimes and bringing those suspected of responsibility to justice.”
The area where the abduction of Swedish Foreign Minister’s daughter took place, is controlled by several militias. Some operate nominally under the authority of the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defence. No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction and it remains unclear which militia is holding them at this point. Only the list of demands has been sent.
Most abductions are carried out with the aim of extracting as high a ransom as possible from the families, or in some cases to negotiate an exchange of detainees. Abductions are also used as a tactic by militias to silence opponents, journalists, and human rights defenders who are critical of them. Individuals have been targeted based on their perceived political or tribal affiliations or their occupation or apparent wealth, in order to extract sensitive information or hefty ransom sums.
Rival armed groups and militias in Libya have been carrying out gross human rights abuses with near total impunity. Even those operating under the UN-backed government affiliated to the Ministry of Defence or under nominal control of the Ministry of the Interior are not subjected to any effective supervision or control by the central authorities.
"The epidemic of abductions highlights the lack of effective control by any faction claiming legitimacy on the ground,” said Heba Morayef.
“Restoring the rule of law must be an absolute priority. This includes authorities ensuring that those suspected to be responsible for abductions, enforced disappearances and other crimes under international law are prosecuted in fair proceedings and finally brought to justice. It’s time to stamp out the pervasive culture of impunity which has emboldened perpetrators of these crimes so far.”
