The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Moussa Mahamat of Egypt, has said he was totally dismayed with the reports on the auctioning of African migrants in Libya as slaves. Following the submissions made by Professor Alpha Conde of Guinea, who investigated the initial reports, the AUC Chairperson said he strongly condemned the despicable acts which are at odds with the ideals of the Founding Fathers of the organization and relevant African and international instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Mr. Mahamat was quoted as calling for an immediate end to these practices and other criminal acts of human trafficking. He urged swift action to identify all perpetrators and accomplices, with a view to bringing them to justice. In this regard, he welcomed the announcement by the Libyan authorities of an investigation into the reported criminal acts and looked forward to a credible outcome. He further urged the Libyan authorities to do everything in their power to improve the conditions of African migrants on their territory.
The Chairperson of the Commission expressed the determination of the African Union to spare no effort to help bring these acts to an end and ensure the respect of the most basic human rights. In this regard, he requested the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to urgently launch an investigation in support of the measures announced by the Libyan authorities and to submit its conclusions as soon as possible to ensure timely follow-up and action.
A report from the AUC Headquarters in Addis Ababa said the Chairperson of the Commission also intended to quickly dispatch an envoy to Libya for consultations with the government and other stakeholders, to agree on practical steps in support of efforts to address the plight of the African migrants in Libya.
