
Malta rescues down 90%, Libya intercepts up 230%
Malta rescues plunge 90% as Libya steps up
Malta's involvement in rescuing migrant boats in the Mediterranean has declined precipitously since 2020, with new analysis showing a 90 per cent drop in operations by the island nation's armed forces alongside a corresponding 230 per cent increase in interceptions by Libyan authorities.
The stark figures, compiled by The Times of Malta through a comprehensive digital archive of distress calls, indicate that migrant vessels are now ten times more likely to be intercepted by Libyan forces than rescued by their Maltese counterparts.
The data covers activity within Malta's designated search and rescue zone and corresponds to the implementation of a bilateral migration coordination agreement between Valletta and Tripoli.
The arrangement was designed to address what both governments describe as unsustainable pressure from irregular migration along the central Mediterranean corridor.
Malta, which has long argued that its limited resources are stretched beyond capacity by migration flows, has faced scrutiny from humanitarian organisations over its decreased involvement in rescue operations.
Critics have questioned whether the island nation is fulfilling its international obligations under maritime law, whilst Maltese officials counter that the coordination agreement represents a pragmatic response to regional challenges.
The shift has implications beyond operational statistics. International bodies monitoring migrant treatment have documented concerning conditions within Libya's detention infrastructure, raising questions about the fate of those intercepted at sea and returned to Libyan facilities.
Libya's increased maritime activity reflects broader changes since the 2011 revolution that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. Various local authorities and armed groups now control different areas of the coastline, with some receiving training and equipment through international partnerships aimed at stemming irregular migration.
For Malta, the change represents relief from what officials describe as an unsustainable burden. The island state, with a population of just over half a million, has repeatedly called for greater burden-sharing within the European Union, arguing that frontline states cannot manage migration flows without substantial support from Brussels and member capitals.
The coordination agreement forms part of a broader European strategy that has seen similar arrangements established with other North African states. These partnerships typically involve capacity-building programmes, equipment provision and coordination mechanisms designed to reduce the number of migrants reaching European shores.
However, the effectiveness and humanitarian implications of such arrangements remain subjects of ongoing debate among policymakers, aid organisations and legal experts. The central Mediterranean route continues to account for a significant proportion of irregular arrivals to Europe, with thousands attempting the crossing annually despite well-documented risks.
The latest figures suggest that whilst the immediate pressure on Malta may have eased, the fundamental dynamics driving migration from Africa towards Europe remain unchanged, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of coordination-based approaches to migration management.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Saba Yemen
an hour ago
- Saba Yemen
500 Romanian Cultural, Artistic Figures Demand End to Genocide in Gaza
Bucharest - (Saba): More than 500 Romanian cultural and artistic figures have signed a joint petition addressed to the Romanian authorities, calling for a firm stance against the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and an end to the "genocide" being perpetrated against the Palestinians. According to what was reported by the Palestinian News Agency on Thursday, the petition was addressed to both Romanian President Nicosor Dan and the Romanian government, calling for pressure on the Israeli government to halt the aggression and prevent settlement expansion in the West Bank and Quds. The signatories emphasized that Romania must link its trade, cultural, and diplomatic relations with Israel to respect for international law, calling for cooperation with the European Union to impose sanctions and suspend the Association Agreement if Israeli violations continue. Intellectuals and artists expressed their strong condemnation of the genocide taking place in the Gaza Strip and of Israeli policies of domination and control. They emphasized the need to take an official stance expressing support for the rights of the Palestinian people. The petition emphasized the importance of popular solidarity with the people of Gaza and highlighted the particular suffering experienced by artists, teachers, directors, journalists, and writers under the Israeli blockade, which has led to a lack of basic services such as food, healthcare, and drinking water. It warned that life in Gaza has become "almost impossible." Since October 7, 2023, the enemy has been waging a genocidal campaign in Gaza, including killing, starvation, destruction, and forced displacement, ignoring all international appeals and orders from the International Court of Justice to halt the campaign. Whatsapp Telegram Email more of (International)


Libyan Express
4 days ago
- Libyan Express
Malta rescues down 90%, Libya intercepts up 230%
Malta rescues plunge 90% as Libya steps up Malta's involvement in rescuing migrant boats in the Mediterranean has declined precipitously since 2020, with new analysis showing a 90 per cent drop in operations by the island nation's armed forces alongside a corresponding 230 per cent increase in interceptions by Libyan authorities. The stark figures, compiled by The Times of Malta through a comprehensive digital archive of distress calls, indicate that migrant vessels are now ten times more likely to be intercepted by Libyan forces than rescued by their Maltese counterparts. The data covers activity within Malta's designated search and rescue zone and corresponds to the implementation of a bilateral migration coordination agreement between Valletta and Tripoli. The arrangement was designed to address what both governments describe as unsustainable pressure from irregular migration along the central Mediterranean corridor. Malta, which has long argued that its limited resources are stretched beyond capacity by migration flows, has faced scrutiny from humanitarian organisations over its decreased involvement in rescue operations. Critics have questioned whether the island nation is fulfilling its international obligations under maritime law, whilst Maltese officials counter that the coordination agreement represents a pragmatic response to regional challenges. The shift has implications beyond operational statistics. International bodies monitoring migrant treatment have documented concerning conditions within Libya's detention infrastructure, raising questions about the fate of those intercepted at sea and returned to Libyan facilities. Libya's increased maritime activity reflects broader changes since the 2011 revolution that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. Various local authorities and armed groups now control different areas of the coastline, with some receiving training and equipment through international partnerships aimed at stemming irregular migration. For Malta, the change represents relief from what officials describe as an unsustainable burden. The island state, with a population of just over half a million, has repeatedly called for greater burden-sharing within the European Union, arguing that frontline states cannot manage migration flows without substantial support from Brussels and member capitals. The coordination agreement forms part of a broader European strategy that has seen similar arrangements established with other North African states. These partnerships typically involve capacity-building programmes, equipment provision and coordination mechanisms designed to reduce the number of migrants reaching European shores. However, the effectiveness and humanitarian implications of such arrangements remain subjects of ongoing debate among policymakers, aid organisations and legal experts. The central Mediterranean route continues to account for a significant proportion of irregular arrivals to Europe, with thousands attempting the crossing annually despite well-documented risks. The latest figures suggest that whilst the immediate pressure on Malta may have eased, the fundamental dynamics driving migration from Africa towards Europe remain unchanged, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of coordination-based approaches to migration management.


Libyan Express
6 days ago
- Libyan Express
GCC demands foreign troops leave Libya
BY Libyan Express Jun 06, 2025 - 15:25 Gulf states support Libya-led solution. Photo via Getty The Gulf Cooperation Council has renewed its call for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya while maintaining support for a Libyan-led political solution. Following the 164th ministerial session, the GCC issued a statement emphasizing respect for Libya's sovereignty and adherence to UN Security Council resolutions. The council said external interference in Libya's internal affairs must cease. The statement urged all Libyan factions to prioritise dialogue and national unity, describing political negotiation as the only viable method to resolve the country's divisions. Libya has been split between rival administrations since 2014. The GCC reiterated its support for United Nations efforts to achieve a comprehensive political settlement, including the organisation of presidential and parliamentary elections and the unification of state institutions. The country has not held unified national elections since 2012. The council also acknowledged a recent UN Security Council resolution that permits Libyan institutions to reinvest portions of their frozen assets through international financial institutions. The GCC statement reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to address Libya's political crisis through multilateral channels rather than military intervention. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.