The UN Migration Agency (IOM) has said that over 1,000 migrants have died or gone missing in the Central Mediterranean since the beginning of the year. The UN warns of 'rapidly' deteriorating conditions in Libya.
Over 1,000 migrants died or went missing in the Central Mediterranean Sea between January 1 and August 17 this year, according to the Libya office of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
IOM noted that 421 have been confirmed dead while 603 have been recorded as missing, for a total of 1,024 people.
In the same period, some 13,763 migrants were intercepted at sea and taken back to Libya: 12,220 men, 947 women, 460 minors, and 136 people for whom similar details are not available.
Also read: What happens to migrants intercepted at sea by the Libyan coast guard?
Flooding compounds difficult situation
In a Facebook post on Monday, August 19, IOM Libya added that almost 6,000 people had been evacuated in southwestern Libya after heavy rain led to flooding in the cities of Ghat and Tahalla.
A total of 720 people have been displaced in Tahalla, 3,280 in Ghat, 100 in the Icynne valley, and 1,725 in Al-Barakat. Most of these people are hosted by their relatives in other areas of the country, while others found refuge in encampments and schools.
Also read: Libya flood victims: Difficult search for missing migrants
UN says Libya deteriorating 'rapidly'
The UN expressed concern on Tuesday about the rapid deterioration of the economic and security situation in Libya. It also decried "unilateral" moves by Libyan actors that have "increased tension."
"Over the past two months, the situation in Libya has deteriorated quite rapidly in terms of political, economic and security stability," Stephanie Koury, acting head of the UN's political mission in Libya (UNSMIL), told the Security Council on August 20.
"Unilateral acts by Libyan political, military and security actors have increased tension, further entrenched institutional and political divisions and complicated efforts for a negotiated political solution," she added.
She noted that, since the beginning of August, there had been fighting between armed groups on the outskirts of Tripoli and attempts to forcibly expel the governor of the central bank. For example, she noted in her remarks: "On 9 August, the Libyan National Army moved unilaterally toward southwestern parts of Libya sparking Western forces and groups to mobilize and assert their readiness to respond to any attack."
"While the LNA later clarified its purpose in moving these forces was to secure the southwestern border, this move generated tensions in the West and raised concerns with Libya's neighbor Algeria. These types of unilateral security moves are not confined only to movements of East-West forces but also occur among Western forces and armed groups," said Koury.
Also read: At least 107 migrants freed from captivity in southeast Libya
Libyans 'frustrated', as was UNSMIL chief who resigned in April
US citizen Koury is acting head of UNSMIL pending the appointment of a successor to Abdoulaye Bathily. Bathily quit in April, citing a "lack of political will and good faith" by Libyan leaders.
"In the absence of renewed political talks leading to a unified government and elections, you see where this is heading: greater political, financial and security instability, entrenched political and territorial divisions, and greater domestic and regional instability," warned Koury.
"Libyans are frustrated with the status quo and the toll it is taking on their lives. People struggle to withdraw money from the banks and to meet their daily needs. Many express fear about war once again erupting," she warned.