TRIPOLI, Nov 9 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Seven African migrants were killed and several others injured when a residential building collapsed in the Janzour district, west of the Libyan capital Tripoli, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.
“A three-story building housing African migrants collapsed last night … leaving approximately 7 dead (including women and children) and several others have been rescued,” IOM said in a statement.
“We express our condolences to the families of the victims,” the statement added.
IOM said it is ready to assist the affected migrants and support authorities in the rescue operations. The cause of the building collapse is still under investigation.
Eyewitnesses reported that the collapsed building was recently constructed, completed just four years ago.
Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, Head of the Libyan outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU), visited the site late Thursday to oversee the rescue operations and provide support to the victims.
Dbaiba observed the rescue teams and medical personnel in action, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing full care for those affected. He assured the continuation of rescue and relief operations until all individuals are accounted for.
Dbaiba further announced that he has instructed the Ministries of Interior and Justice to conduct an urgent investigation into the collapse and hold any responsible parties accountable.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. — NNN-AGENCIES
