The ambition of Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, to join the UK-France migrant returns agreement overlooks one of the most important changes that would substantially reduce the flow of irregular migration to Europe: a pact with the internationally recognised government of national unity (GNU) in Libya (Merz calls for UK, Germany and France to align on migration and defence, 17 July).
European governments should be working ever more closely with the GNU in Tripoli to help deliver national sovereignty in Libya, so that the UN-backed government can ensure the rule of law, and – to borrow one of Sir Keir Starmer’s favoured mantras – “smash the gangs” that traffic in human lives at source.
Any proposal that fails to support the GNU in tackling the criminal networks that drive people- smuggling into Europe through Libya – including the Anglo-French “one in, one out” scheme, and German participation – is missing a chance to deliver significant change.
Walid Ellafi
Minister of communication and political affairs, Libya
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