South African President Jacob Zuma has condemned the “scourge of modern day slavery” in Libya, and has called on world leaders to help the Libyan government end the tragedy.
“We need to act decisively and support the Libyan Government of National Accord to address this human tragedy and eradicate the scourge of modern day slavery, exploitation and forced labour, currently unfolding in front of our eyes,” Zuma said in his speech at the 5th African Union-European Union Summit attended by leaders from the two continents.
The shocking revelation of slave auctions in the North African country has irked people worldwide, with leaders calling for an immediate end to the practice.
The auctions have been fuelled by the uncontrolled flow of migrants through Libya en route to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.
Images have also gone viral on social media, showing slaves tortured and looking helpless.
Reports indicate that the migrants are detained by people smugglers who demand ransom from their families back home, and if the ransoms are not wired then they are tortured and even killed.
“As we gather here, we are also haunted by images of many of our continent’s citizens plunged in the watery grave of the Mediterranean and the scenes of a slave trade continuing on this very continent,” Zuma said in his address in Abidjan.
“Women are used as sex slaves and child migrants also suffer abuse and rape. We cannot stand idle without condemning such actions in the strongest possible terms. We can also not let the calls for justice for these victims go unheard,” he added.
The human smuggling syndicate has flourished in Libya due to the political conflict that caused an administration void.
The conflict was sparked by a power struggle by various factions after the 2011 ouster and killing of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
