Libya’s Shifting Demographics: An African Influx

Across Libya, the presence of African immigrants has become increasingly commonplace. While some are transient, seeking passage to Europe, many have established roots in Libyan towns and cities, participating in the local economy and integrating into households as domestic workers.

This influx has sparked anxieties among some Libyans, who cite concerns about the spread of disease and a potential rise in crime. However, a more profound worry centres on the long-term demographic implications for the nation, particularly in light of Libya’s existing struggles with population growth and distribution.

Libya has witnessed a sustained decline in its population growth rate, a trend exacerbated by years of conflict and instability. This decline, coupled with an uneven geographical distribution of the population, has resulted in a demographic vacuum, most notably in the southern regions.

This situation presents a potential threat to national security and creates an opening for external actors to influence demographic shifts under the guise of humanitarian assistance.

Concerns have been raised that the settlement of Africans in Libya is being tacitly encouraged by certain European countries and international organisations as a strategy to mitigate illegal immigration. This raises questions about the underlying motivations behind such policies and their potential ramifications for Libya’s future.

This report was analysed and written by the Investigative Reporting Editor.