Malta rescues down 90%, Libya intercepts up 230%
Malta's involvement in rescuing migrant boats in the Mediterranean has declined precipitously since 2020, with new analysis showing a 90 per cent drop in operations by the island nation's armed forces alongside a corresponding 230 per cent increase in interceptions by Libyan authorities.
The stark figures, compiled by The Times of Malta through a comprehensive digital archive of distress calls, indicate that migrant vessels are now ten times more likely to be intercepted by Libyan forces than rescued by their Maltese counterparts.
The data covers activity within Malta's designated search and rescue zone and corresponds to the implementation of a bilateral migration coordination agreement between Valletta and Tripoli.
The arrangement was designed to address what both governments describe as unsustainable pressure from irregular migration along the central Mediterranean corridor.
Malta, which has long argued that its limited resources are stretched beyond capacity by migration flows, has faced scrutiny from humanitarian organisations over its decreased involvement in rescue operations.
Critics have questioned whether the island nation is fulfilling its international obligations under maritime law, whilst Maltese officials counter that the coordination agreement represents a pragmatic response to regional challenges.
The shift has implications beyond operational statistics. International bodies monitoring migrant treatment have documented concerning conditions within Libya's detention infrastructure, raising questions about the fate of those intercepted at sea and returned to Libyan facilities.
Libya's increased maritime activity reflects broader changes since the 2011 revolution that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. Various local authorities and armed groups now control different areas of the coastline, with some receiving training and equipment through international partnerships aimed at stemming irregular migration.
For Malta, the change represents relief from what officials describe as an unsustainable burden. The island state, with a population of just over half a million, has repeatedly called for greater burden-sharing within the European Union, arguing that frontline states cannot manage migration flows without substantial support from Brussels and member capitals.
The coordination agreement forms part of a broader European strategy that has seen similar arrangements established with other North African states. These partnerships typically involve capacity-building programmes, equipment provision and coordination mechanisms designed to reduce the number of migrants reaching European shores.
However, the effectiveness and humanitarian implications of such arrangements remain subjects of ongoing debate among policymakers, aid organisations and legal experts. The central Mediterranean route continues to account for a significant proportion of irregular arrivals to Europe, with thousands attempting the crossing annually despite well-documented risks.
The latest figures suggest that whilst the immediate pressure on Malta may have eased, the fundamental dynamics driving migration from Africa towards Europe remain unchanged, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of coordination-based approaches to migration management.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libyan Express
4 days ago
- Libyan Express
Spain offers €200 million package as EU partners with Mauritania on migration
Spain backs Mauritania with investment and migration deal to curb Atlantic crossings Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón has concluded a landmark visit to Mauritania's capital Nouakchott, marking his third trip to the West African nation in just eighteen months — a clear signal of deepening strategic ties between the two countries amid evolving migration dynamics. Unlike his previous visits in 2023, which were largely shaped by mounting concerns over irregular migration from Mauritania's coastline to the Canary Islands, Sánchez's latest appearance was notably upbeat. Migration numbers have declined significantly since the beginning of this year, in part due to strengthened bilateral cooperation and local enforcement efforts. From Crisis Diplomacy to Strategic Partnership Sánchez's earlier visits — in February and August 2023 — came against a backdrop of domestic political pressure, as Spain faced a sharp increase in irregular migrant arrivals. Seeking to stem the flow, Madrid turned to Nouakchott to negotiate security and migration control agreements. These talks culminated in the signing of a joint declaration between the European Union and Mauritania in February 2024. The agreement, signed in Nouakchott, encompasses security, diplomatic, and economic cooperation, including support for regulated migration routes from Mauritania to Europe — a framework modelled on similar agreements with North African countries. The renewed focus on Mauritania reflects shifts in human trafficking networks. As Tunisia, Libya, and Morocco tightened border controls, traffickers revived alternative routes via Nouakchott and Nouadhibou towards Spain's Atlantic territories. According to Spain's Ministry of the Interior, around 22,300 irregular migrants reached the Canary Islands by August 2025 — more than double the figure recorded during the same period in 2024. Pilot Scheme for Circular Migration During this most recent visit, Sánchez introduced a fresh round of proposals. A central feature was a memorandum of understanding on circular migration, outlining a pilot scheme to recruit Mauritanian workers for seasonal employment in Spain. The agreement stipulates that selected workers — chosen by the Mauritanian authorities on the basis of equal opportunity — must return home upon completion of their contracts. The agreement includes data confidentiality provisions and is valid for one year, renewable upon mutual consent. It forms part of Spain's broader strategy to promote safe, orderly and legal migration pathways — a key pillar of its response to irregular migration. Spain also pledged a €200 million funding package to bolster Spanish private investment in Mauritania. The funding will support green energy projects, feasibility studies, risk guarantees, and financing tools for Spanish firms operating locally. Public Concern and Legal Reforms Despite growing bilateral ties, repeated high-level visits from European officials have sparked concern among some Mauritanian citizens. Critics fear the country may be positioned as Europe's de facto border enforcer or transformed into a permanent host for migrants expelled from the EU. Mauritania's government has rejected these claims, arguing that the country is increasingly becoming a destination, not merely a transit zone. A substantial number of migrants — particularly from conflict-ridden Mali — are now settled in Mauritania, placing pressure on its social services. The Mbera refugee camp alone hosts over 150,000 displaced individuals. In response, the government has adopted a range of internal measures. These include bans on transporting undocumented migrants, stricter border controls, the introduction of updated migration laws, and the establishment of a specialised migration court in February 2025. Mauritania's migration law imposes prison terms of six months to two years for identity fraud, fake documentation, and illegal border crossings. It also authorises deportations and entry bans lasting up to ten years for those violating immigration regulations. Fines may reach 5 million old ouguiyas (roughly £10,000), and additional penalties apply to those who enter or reside illegally. These legal reforms have contributed to the dismantling of smuggling networks, with authorities reporting near-daily arrests and disruptions of trafficking operations. Human Rights Scrutiny Nevertheless, the crackdown has drawn criticism from opposition groups and human rights observers, who accuse the government of carrying out deportations in inhumane conditions. The government strongly denies such claims. In a recent press statement, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Mauritania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, asserted that all deportation operations are conducted in full compliance with both national legislation and international human rights agreements. He reaffirmed that the primary mission of the country's security forces is 'to safeguard the population and national territory.' A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations Spain reports a 40% drop in irregular arrivals to the Canary Islands compared to last year — a significant decrease attributed to Mauritania's intensified enforcement efforts. Prime Minister Sánchez has described the current phase as 'a turning point' in bilateral relations. Beyond border control, Sánchez highlighted the expansion of cooperation into new areas — notably trade, investment, and development. He announced the appointment of Spain's first economic and trade attaché to Nouakchott, who will take up the post in September 2025 to support Spanish business interests and institutional presence. Sánchez stressed the importance of Mauritania as Spain's top trading partner in the EU–Africa context, expressing Madrid's intent to expand the partnership through broader EU-led frameworks such as the Global Gateway Initiative and the Africa–Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs. The visit reflects how a crisis-driven relationship rooted in migration control is now evolving into a more strategic and multifaceted alliance between Europe and a key West African partner.
Libyan Express
4 days ago
- Libyan Express
HNEC, UN review 2025 vote plans
BY Libyan Express Jul 22, 2025 - 04:16 Al-Sayeh, UN discuss election readiness The Chairman of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Dr Emad Al-Sayeh, met on Monday with Ms Stephanie Koury, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, to review ongoing preparations for the second round of municipal council elections scheduled for 2025. The meeting focused on the Commission's technical and logistical readiness, particularly as the voter card distribution phase nears completion. With this key stage concluding, HNEC is now transitioning into the vote-preparation phase for the targeted municipalities. Dr Al-Sayeh provided an update on the Commission's operational plan and reaffirmed HNEC's commitment to conducting the elections in a transparent, impartial, and well-organised manner. He stressed that the Commission is working according to a clear timeline developed in close coordination with relevant national bodies and international partners. The discussions also addressed political and technical challenges affecting the electoral process, especially those linked to activating international support mechanisms facilitated through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Both sides emphasised the importance of ensuring a stable and coherent environment to implement the electoral roadmap effectively. Established in 2012, the High National Elections Commission is an independent national institution mandated by Libyan law to organise and oversee all electoral processes, including presidential, parliamentary, and municipal elections. HNEC plays a central role in safeguarding electoral integrity and works to foster voter participation and electoral awareness in partnership with local and international stakeholders. Ms Koury reiterated the United Nations' full support for the Commission, noting the UN's ongoing role in providing technical and advisory assistance to ensure the success and credibility of Libya's electoral processes. The meeting reflects the continued collaboration between Libyan institutions and international partners in supporting a peaceful and democratic transition through inclusive and well-managed elections. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libyan Express
6 days ago
- Libyan Express
Benzeer urges UN to back Libya council plan
Berlin III charts path to unified Libyan governance, says Dr. Ramadan Benzeer Dr. Ramadan Benzeer, Professor of International Law and Human Rights and member of the Scientific Committee at the National Center for Research and Scientific Studies, affirmed that the Berlin III Conference marked a significant milestone in the international community's approach to the Libyan crisis. The conference concluded with broad international consensus around a new roadmap aimed at reuniting Libya under a single executive authority tasked with managing state affairs and preparing for national elections within 18 to 24 months. As part of this roadmap, the plan also envisions the formation of a constituent council to replace both the House of Representatives and the High Council of State—ushering in a new phase of legitimacy and institutional reform. Dr. Benzeer noted that the recommendations of the advisory committee and the outcomes of Berlin III are expected to be codified in a binding international resolution, one that redefines the legal and political foundation of governance in Libya. Speaking during a virtual seminar hosted by the Arab Forum for Cultural Diversity in the United Kingdom and broadcast via the London Air studio, Dr. Benzeer underscored the importance of the fourth option presented by the advisory committee. This option—which calls for the establishment of a unified executive and a constituent council chosen through transparent, merit-based criteria—has reportedly garnered wide approval across the Libyan political and civil spectrum. 'The proposed constituent body must ensure inclusive representation from all components of Libyan society, including political actors, civil society, youth, and women, while maintaining both geographic and demographic balance,' Benzeer emphasized. Dr. Benzeer also issued a direct appeal to Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), urging her to incorporate this fourth option in her forthcoming briefing to the UN Security Council. He warned that public sentiment in Libya is reaching a boiling point, with many perceiving the UN mission as managing the crisis rather than working to resolve it. 'The Libyan public is disillusioned,' he said. 'UNSMIL must demonstrate that it is a committed and effective partner in advancing a political solution—otherwise, we risk further erosion of public trust and deepening national frustration.' Concluding his remarks, Dr. Benzeer reflected on the emphasis placed during the Berlin talks on the rule of law and the establishment of a state governed by institutions. He called for immediate action by the Government of National Unity to uphold judicial integrity. 'What Libya needs most is a fair and independent judiciary, and public officials who respect and implement court rulings,' he stated. 'We urge the Prime Minister to enforce all judicial decisions—particularly the release of those acquitted and the liberation of individuals detained without charge or legal basis. The ongoing failure to implement rulings by the Supreme Court is not only deeply troubling, but wholly unacceptable in any lawful state.'
