Two and a half months after the forced suspension of our activities by the Libyan authorities, following a wave of repression that affected ten humanitarian organisations present in the west of the country, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reaffirms our willingness to resume medical services and support to the Libyan authorities. We also remain concerned about the health of our former patients and the interruption of access to healthcare for people in Libya.

On 27 March 2025, MSF was forced to suspend our medical activities in the country, following the closure of our premises by the Internal Security Agency (ISA) of Libya and the interrogation of several of our team members. All MSF staff were released, but after the crackdown, we were forced to evacuate our international employees from Libya and to terminate the contracts of our Libyan staff.

Since mid-March, the ISA began summoning and interrogating the staff of international non-governmental organisations providing care to migrants and refugees in Libya.

“MSF is ready to resume the medical projects that were underway for tuberculosis, mental health and maternal health, for any patient in need of care, and in collaboration with the relevant Libyan authorities,” says Steven Purbrick, MSF head of mission for Libya. “Provided that the safety of our staff and patients is guaranteed, MSF calls for its suspension to be lifted.”