CAIRO, Oct 29 (Bernama-dpa) – Libyan authorities in Tripoli have ordered the aid organisation Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to leave the country by November 9, the group said on Wednesday, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
“No reason has been given to justify our expulsion and the process remains unclear,” MSF said in a statement.
Earlier this year, authorities in Tripoli closed the headquarters of several international non-profit groups, including MSF, accusing them of engaging in “actions that threaten state security.”
Tripoli said the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were providing medical services to illegal migrants to settle them in the country.
In its statement, MSF said it was instructed in March to suspend its activities after the closure of its premises and the interrogation of several of its employees.
“We deeply regret this decision by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and we are concerned about the consequences for the health of the people we assist,” said Steve Purbrick, head of programmes for MSF in Libya.
He said MSF can play a role in supporting the Libyan health system, as well as providing access to healthcare for refugees and migrants “who are excluded from care and subject to arbitrary detention and serious violence in the country.”
Libya is one of the main transit countries for migrants on their way to Europe. The country has been divided between two rival administrations in the east and west. It descended into chaos following the 2011 toppling of Muammar Gaddafi.
— BERNAMA-dpa