Nat Barnes on Libyan migrant crisis

Liberia’s former Ambassador to the United States, Amb. Milton Nathaniel Barnes has frowned on the inhumane treatment of migrants in the North African state of Libya, calling on the Liberian Government to take on a pivotal role in addressing the issue.

He expressed fears that Liberians residing in that country could be at risk with such barbaric behavior, hence he urged the “Government to take immediate and drastic action to bring this barbaric behavior in a sister country of the African Union to a halt”.

“I hope and pray that Liberia will take a leadership position in addressing this matter given the poignant role that slavery has played in our history and given the original purpose for which Liberia was established,” he added.

Amb. Barnes appeal follows disturbing graphic images of inhumane treatment of black migrants in Libya on global news networks and social media. The images also showed the sale of migrants at auctions, something he said is reminiscent of the 19 Century Transatlantic Slave Trade.

“I take this moment to appeal firstly to all Liberians to remember our suffering brothers and sisters in our prayers. Secondly, in this public manner, I appeal to the Government of Liberia to take immediate and drastic action to bring this barbaric behavior in a sister country of the African Union to a halt,” Amb. Barnes said.

On Liberians residing in Libya, he said “We pray for their safety and the provision of some means to have them returned to the security and protection of their home”.

Amb. Barnes, a former Presidential candidate in the 2005 special elections also reminded Liberian that the ongoing election disputes should not claim the nation’s attention from the international community saying, “…there is a world out there that needs our attention as a part of our common humanity”.