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The controversy over the visit of a Libyan militiaman to Italy

Libyan militiaman during his visit to Italy

The presence of Abdul Ghani al-Kikli in Italy raises political doubts and concerns.

A controversial meeting

The recent visit of Abdul Ghani al-Kikli, the well-known leader of the Libyan militia Stability Support Apparatus, has sparked a heated debate in Italy. The photograph showing him next to the Libyan Minister of Internal Affairs, currently hospitalized in a Roman clinic, has raised questions about the presence of figures linked to militias in our country.

The secretary of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, asked the government for clarification, underlining how Italy is becoming a "safe haven for Libyan militias", many of which are accused of mafia activities.

The accusations and the defenses

Al-Kikli is known to be accused of serious human rights violations, which makes his presence in Italy even more controversial. However, details that emerged later have partly dampened the initial fuss. It emerged that the soldier is not currently wanted by Interpol or the International Criminal Court, and that he is under the control of the Libyan Presidential Council. Furthermore, his Schengen visa, issued by Malta, allows him to travel freely in Europe, raising further questions about visa management and the security of European borders.

The political implications

This situation is not only a security issue, but also has profound political implications. The presence of figures like Al-Kikli in Italy highlights the fragilities of Italian foreign policy towards Libya and the militias operating in the country. Schlein's statements highlight a growing concern among Italian political parties regarding the management of relations with Libya and national security. The issue is further complicated by the migratory context and the challenges related to the management of migratory flows from North Africa to Europe.