Libya has tragically become a central hub for human trafficking, where Black migrants are subjected to cruel exploitation, resembling historical slave markets. Among the countless victims is 20-year-old Ethiopian Naima Jamal from Oromia. Abducted in May 2024, her family has been tormented by relentless ransom demands. Recently, they received a heart-wrenching video showing Naima being tortured, with a fresh ransom of $6,000.
The shocking footage portrays Naima’s agony, a grim reminder of the violence perpetuated in Libya’s trafficking networks. Alongside it, an image of over 50 other captives—men, women, and children—emerged, awaiting auction as human commodities. Libya, a nation historically tainted by slavery, continues to perpetuate this dehumanization, turning the dreams of migrants into nightmares.
Journalist Yassin Juma, who has closely followed Libya’s trafficking networks, describes this as “a calculated annihilation of Black lives.” Traffickers assign value to victims based on their physical strength, youth, or perceived sexual worth. The auctions, he notes, are disturbingly similar to the practices of centuries past, now fueled by impunity and the world’s indifference.
Libya has become a graveyard for African migrants, many fleeing their countries for safety or better opportunities, only to find themselves trapped in detention centers, forced into slavery, or left to die in unmarked graves.
Activists argue that European migration policies indirectly support these trafficking networks. Some believe European governments fund Libyan militias and smugglers to prevent migrants from crossing the Mediterranean. David Yambio, an activist, asserts, “Libya’s chaos is no accident. Arab racism and European indifference combine to create a hellscape for Black bodies. This isn’t border control—it’s cruelty masked as bureaucracy.”
Naima’s Plight and Global Silence
Naima’s family faces a heartbreaking decision: raise the $6,000 ransom or lose her forever. They are not alone in their suffering. Thousands of families endure similar horrors, unable to protect their loved ones from traffickers thriving in Libya’s lawless environment. The global silence only empowers these traffickers and prolongs the agony of victims like Naima.
Libya’s trafficking crisis highlights the larger issue of systemic exploitation and neglect. The international community must confront the painful truth: the modern slave trade is thriving, sustained by racism, impunity, and foreign policies that prioritize containment over humanity.
For Naima, and countless others, time is running out. Their stories demand more than awareness—they call for urgent, global action. The world can no longer afford to turn a blind eye.