At least 21 migrants have been found dead in a mass grave on a farm in eastern Libya, according to security sources. The discovery was made near the town of Ajdabiya, approximately 160km from Benghazi, the country’s second-largest city. Authorities raided the farm after receiving a report of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa being held there.
The security sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the migrants, including men, women, and children, showed signs of torture. They were taken to a hospital, where they reported that other migrants had disappeared. The cause of death remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
The Internal Security Agency confirmed the discovery of the mass grave to local broadcaster al-Masar, which reported that a suspect had been detained and admitted to the presence of a mass grave on his property. Unverified pictures posted online showed security personnel and Red Crescent volunteers placing bodies into black plastic bags.
Libya has been a major departure point for tens of thousands of migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. Many attempt to cross the desert and Mediterranean to reach Europe, often facing dangerous routes and exploitation. The country’s oil-based economy also attracts migrants seeking work, but poor security leaves them vulnerable to abuse.
The discovery of the mass grave is the latest in a series of migrant tragedies in Libya. In July, over 100 migrants were freed from captivity in Ajdabiya after being held for ransom. In September, at least 50 people died after a vessel carrying Sudanese refugees caught fire off Libya’s coast. In October, 61 bodies of migrants were recovered on the Mediterranean coast west of Tripoli.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the treatment of migrants in Libya, with reports of torture, abuse, and killings in detention centers. The International Organization for Migration recorded nearly 1,000 migrant deaths and disappearances in Libya in 2024 alone. The UN has urged Libya to close detention centers where rights groups say migrants and refugees have been subjected to inhumane treatment.
The discovery of the mass grave highlights the need for improved protection and support for migrants in Libya. The international community has called for increased efforts to address the root causes of migration and to ensure the safety and dignity of those seeking a better life. As investigations into the mass grave continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by migrants in Libya and the need for urgent action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
