The Touareg Social Council of Libya has voiced its unequivocal rejection of the Italian Med-Or Foundation’s article, branding its content as “false allegations” that target the national Touareg component and label its members as “mercenaries.”
The Council called upon the Public Prosecutor to launch an urgent and judicial investigation into the background of these suspicious statements and to uncover the parties responsible for disseminating this racist discourse. The Council also stressed the necessity for an official state stance, demanding that Italian authorities compel the foundation to immediately withdraw the article and issue a clear and explicit apology, not only to the Touareg but to all Libyans who have been insulted by these transgressions.
Incitement to sedition
The Council firmly asserted that the dignity of the Touareg people is non-negotiable, and that anyone who dares to impugn their existence will pay the price for their slander. The Council described the discourse as emanating from an “arrogant colonial mentality” seeking to sow hatred and incite sedition.
The Touareg Social Council regarded this discourse as lacking the most basic standards of journalistic integrity and professionalism, warning that it is more than just a “slip of the tongue or a mistaken judgment.” It described it as a “blatant attempt” to undermine the Libyan national fabric and to impugn the honour and loyalty of a component that has contributed, and continues to contribute, effectively to state-building and its defence across all its security and military institutions.
The Touareg Social Council held the Italian foundation and those behind it fully morally and legally responsible for the repercussions.
Allegations of mercenary transfer
It is noteworthy that the Italian Med-Or Foundation had alleged the transfer of more than 3,000 “Touareg mercenaries” from southern Libya to the capital, Tripoli, in coordination with figures linked to the Government of National Unity. The article accused Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dabaiba of employing the “mercenary card” to ensure his survival in power, warning that this step threatens to reignite violence in the capital and jeopardise the ceasefire agreement amid escalating political and security tensions.
Story deleted
Amidst the massive wave of anger provoked by the article among the Libyan public, it appears that some Italian platforms and websites that published the story have since removed it from their pages, including the Italy Press website. It had previously been published under the title “3,000 Touareg mercenaries transferred to Tripoli amidst risks of armed crisis.”
It should be noted that the Med-Or Foundation is an Italian political and diplomatic institution primarily aimed at enhancing and developing its country’s relations with Mediterranean nations. Therefore, the publication of such information raises questions about undisclosed motives and agendas.
These accusations leveled by the Italian foundation against the Touareg, coupled with the absence of an official apology, underscore the urgent need for a clear and official stance from the Libyan state regarding this situation, which could potentially incite internal strife. Especially since the Government of National Unity faces suspicions and is surrounded by accusations, according to the Italian foundation’s claims, which necessitates an explicit government clarification of its position.