Probe Into Bija's Killing Tests Libya's Rule of Law

On September 1, 2023, the killing of Abdel-Rahman Milad, widely known as "Bija," in Tripoli, Libya, has sparked significant discussions about the state of law and order in the country. Bija was a former coast guard commander infamous for his involvement in human trafficking. His death has not only highlighted the chaotic political situation in Libya but has also raised serious concerns regarding the implications for European border security.

Libya has been in turmoil since the fall of Muammar Qaddafi in 2011, following a NATO-backed uprising. The country is currently divided between two rival administrations, each supported by different international powers and militias. This division has led to a lack of effective governance, making it difficult for the country to address its economic issues or provide basic services to its citizens. The recent floods in Derna, which resulted in thousands of deaths and missing persons, further illustrate the dire state of affairs in Libya.

Experts argue that the chaos in Libya is not merely a result of internal strife but is also a consequence of international negligence. Various foreign powers have meddled in Libyan affairs since Qaddafi's ouster, creating an environment where armed groups and criminal networks can thrive. Bija's assassination serves as a painful reminder of this ongoing turmoil and the role that international actors have played in shaping the current landscape.

Milad was a key figure in the Libyan Coast Guard, overseeing operations in Zawiya, a town notorious for people smuggling. While he was officially tasked with intercepting migrant boats, he was deeply involved in human trafficking activities. In 2018, the United Nations Security Council sanctioned him for his role in sinking migrant boats and collaborating with smuggling networks. Libya's geographical position as a gateway to Europe has made it a hotspot for migrants seeking better lives, but it has also turned the country into a battleground for smuggling operations.

The European Union's strategy of relying on Libyan forces to manage migration has come under scrutiny. Critics argue that this approach has failed to address the root causes of migration and has led to severe human rights abuses against migrants in Libya. The question remains whether Milad's death will prompt European nations to reconsider their migration policies or if they will continue to depend on a corrupt and unstable system.

Milad's notoriety extended beyond his criminal activities; he was also involved in international discussions about migration control. In 2017, he attended a meeting in Sicily with Libyan Coast Guard officials and humanitarian agencies, despite being under suspicion for human trafficking. This raised eyebrows and led many to believe that European governments were aware of the criminal connections of Libyan officials but chose to overlook them for the sake of cooperation in controlling migration.

The relationship between European countries, particularly Italy, and Libya has been fraught with controversy. In 2017, Italy struck a deal with Libya's UN-recognized government to prevent migrant boats from reaching Europe. This agreement involved providing funds and training to the Libyan Coast Guard, which was responsible for intercepting migrants. However, this strategy has faced widespread criticism for subjecting migrants to inhumane conditions in detention centers run by militias.

Milad was reportedly profiting from these arrangements, as intercepted migrants were often held in detention centers where they had to pay bribes for their release. His involvement in the strategic decisions regarding the Libyan Coast Guard's naval assets further underscores the deep-rooted issues within the system.

The assassination of Abdel-Rahman Milad, or "Bija," serves as a critical juncture for Libya and its international partners. It raises essential questions about the effectiveness of current migration policies and the need for a more humane approach to managing migration. As the world watches, it remains to be seen whether this tragic event will lead to meaningful changes in how Libya is governed and how the international community engages with the country.