United Nations condemns violent storming of agency office in Tripoli

The United Nations has condemned violent incidents at a service centre managed by one of its agencies in Tripoli, Libya. The organization reported that staff and individuals accessing humanitarian services were subjected to “deeply aggressive acts” and “severe acts of violence” during a disturbance on Monday morning.

Social media footage appeared to show individuals forcing entry into an International Organization for Migration (IOM) facility, damaging furniture and ordering occupants to leave. The incidents occurred amid rising local tensions regarding migration, fueled by allegations that international organizations are attempting to permanently settle foreign nationals in the country.

The UN emphasized that such incidents “must not be repeated” and stressed the necessity of protecting staff and ensuring secure access to humanitarian aid. While the UN did not announce a suspension of services, it urged that public discussions regarding migration be guided by “reliable information” to prevent the escalation of tensions caused by unconfirmed accounts. Libyan authorities are reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding the events.