Benghazi, Libya – The eastern Libyan government abruptly canceled a scheduled visit by a high-level EU delegation upon their arrival in Benghazi on Tuesday, declaring them persona non grata and ordering their immediate departure. The group included EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner and the interior ministers of Italy, Greece, and Malta .
Visit Terminated Over Alleged Protocol Violations
Authorities in Benghazi, under the control of military leader Khalifa Haftar, accused the delegation of disregarding diplomatic norms and Libyan sovereignty. The officials had arrived from Tripoli, where they had met with Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Unity (GNU), a move that reportedly angered the eastern administration .
In a statement, the eastern government denounced the visit as a "flagrant breach of protocol" and demanded the delegation leave Libyan territory at once. The EU has yet to issue an official response .
Migration Talks Disrupted Amid Rising Tensions
The delegation had intended to discuss migration control strategies, as Libya remains a major transit route for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. However, the abrupt expulsion underscores the deepening divide between Libya’s rival administrations and complicates EU efforts to curb irregular migration .
Political Implications
The incident highlights Libya’s fractured governance since the 2011 ouster of Muammar Gaddafi. The eastern-based government, aligned with Haftar, has long challenged the authority of the Tripoli-based GNU, which is internationally recognized. Observers suggest the expulsion reflects Haftar’s resistance to external interference and his alignment with Russia, a key backer.
Human Rights Concerns Persist
The EU’s cooperation with Libyan authorities on migration has faced criticism from human rights groups, who accuse Europe of enabling abuses against migrants, including arbitrary detention and forced returns. Amnesty International recently condemned the bloc’s approach as "morally bankrupt" .
What’s Next?
The diplomatic snub could strain future EU-Libya relations, particularly on migration and security cooperation. With no resolution in sight, the standoff may further destabilize efforts to manage the Mediterranean migration crisis .
(Sources: Multiple international reports, including Reuters, AFP, and Euronews)
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