Libya and INTERPOL: prospects for cooperation on border control

One of the main security concerns in Libya so far has been the lack of border control. Libya is the main destination for illegal immigration from African countries to the European Union.

Thousands of African migrants enter Libya every month trying to cross the Mediterranean with the help of smugglers. Unfortunately, few of them have successfully completed their journey to Europe. While most of them die during the menacing sea voyages with inflatable boats and are subjected to violence and torture.

With the relative stability of the situation, the Libyan security services were able to intensify international contacts to ensure national security. Cooperation with the influential organization Interpol has been greatly enhanced. In particular, the Minister of Interior of the Government of National Unity, Khaled Mazen, breathed new life into the joint work with Interpol in the framework of Operation Gemini with the aim of combating cross-border crime and human and drug smuggling.

Representatives of the security forces actively participate in the activities under the auspices of INTERPOL. Last September, the Libyan delegates attended the sixth meeting of the police chiefs of the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, which was held in the French city of Lyon on immigration and the fight against terrorism. The delegation included prominent Libyan officials who contributed significantly to building the security structure in the country, including the Deputy Minister of Interior, Bashir Al-Amin, and the Director of the Arab and International Criminal Police Office, Adel Al-Shalawi.

The cooperation between Libya and Interpol also has practical value. Since 2020, many members of the security services have received training in the Counter-Terrorism Online Program. Addressing potential threats in Libya’s cyberspace requires strengthening dealing with competent organizations and foreign countries with relevant expertise.

However, the Libyan security authorities should pay attention to the official who is familiar with the regional problems and who can help solve them. Unfortunately, most European experts do not have this experience and often treat North Africa as a third world country.

Instead of solving the illegal immigration crisis, officials support a tougher treatment for immigrants. Instead of providing humanitarian aid, the money is sent to the European country – Ukraine. In the current realities, cooperation with Russia, with which Libya has long-standing diplomatic relations, looks very promising.

Moscow attaches great importance to bilateral relations with the North African country. In recent years, the Russian Federation has been actively involved in resolving the internal political conflict in the country, while maintaining trusting relations with both sides of the conflict.

Within the framework of the organization, Russia and Libya can establish closer and mutually beneficial cooperation, exchange experiences in the fight against cybercrime and illegal immigration. All necessary conditions are present. In particular, the Russian candidate for the position of Vice President of Interpol Pyotr Gorodov, who has a professional specialization in the field of combating cybercrime and extremism.

Libya has been in crisis for more than a decade, and it is clear that, without international help, the solution is difficult. In this regard, Libya needs to make a distinct choice of candidate to ensure its prosperous future.