Libya's East Bans Entry for Citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia

Libya's eastern-based government announced it is banning entry for citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, citing efforts to control immigration and address security concerns. The administration, which governs the eastern half of the country and is aligned with military commander Khalifa Haftar, said the measure was part of steps to regulate the flow of foreign nationals across its territory.

Libya has for years been a principal transit route for migrants and refugees attempting to reach Europe across the Mediterranean, with many travelling north from the Horn of Africa and Sudan. The country has remained divided since 2014 between the eastern government and the internationally recognised administration based in Tripoli in the west, leaving border and migration policy fractured between the two rival authorities.

The ban applies specifically to nationals of the four named countries, all of which have been significant sources of migrants moving through Libya. Sudan in particular has seen large numbers of people flee since the outbreak of war between rival generals, with many crossing into neighbouring states including Libya. Rights groups have repeatedly documented abuses against migrants held in Libyan detention centres, including those run by armed groups in the east.

The eastern government did not specify how long the restriction would remain in place or how it would be enforced at crossings it controls.