ECOWAS HUMANITARIAN ASSESSMENT MISSION ON THE PLIGHT OF STRANDED WEST AFRICAN MIGRANTS IN LIBYA

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has concluded a mission to assess the humanitarian situation of stranded migrants of ECOWAS origin in Libya. The mission to Libya which held from 8th –13th June 2026, is one of 3 missions proposed to visit the Magreb States of Libya, Algeria and Tunisia in compliance with the Decision of the 66th Ordinary Session of the Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government which directs the ECOWAS Commission to take urgent steps to address the situation of stranded ECOWAS Migrants in the Magreb region.  The Libyan mission which was led by Mr. Usman Obeche as Head of Delegation, was among others, to evaluate the plight of stranded West African migrants, consult with relevant authorities and agencies with a view to recommending urgent interventions.

During the mission, the ECOWAS team held consultations with relevant Libyan authorities, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) mission in Libya, some ECOWAS and other African Diplomatic Missions in Libya, Organised African Migrant Community Leaders, as well as detained migrants during a field visit to the Tajoura Detention Centre in Tripoli.

Overall, the delegation observed that West African migrants are subjects of severe vulnerabilities as they continue to face deplorable situations and severe mistreatments. Owing to irregular legal status, the migrants face arbitrary detention, limited access to healthcare and basic services, exploitation, trafficking, gender-based violence, and limited access to communication with families. Detention facilities remain overstretched, with acute protection concerns for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

While the efforts made by Libya, IOM, and ECOWAS Member States to support voluntary return and reintegration of the stranded migrants are highly commendable, resources remain insufficient to adequately cater for the high rate of occurrence and population of the victims. The mission, therefore, underscores the urgent need for member States to increase efforts and resources as well as to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Libyan authorities to effectively manage this challenge. Collaborative action by ECOWAS Member States would provide a common sustainable action to address the challenge in the short, medium and long term.

Speaking at the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Usman Obeche emphasized: “Our mission confirmed the urgent need for solidarity and swift action to protect stranded West African migrants, uphold their dignity, and ensure safe return and reintegration into their home countries.”

The ECOWAS Commission reaffirms its commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens abroad and called for collective action by Member States to address migration challenges in a spirit of regional solidarity.