Reports that Ukrainian forces are active in Libya are drawing warnings from a regional arms-control campaigner. He says the activity could unsettle Libya and put vessels in the Mediterranean at risk.
Warning From WAANSA
Martin Igwe is the first regional vice president of the West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA). He said the reports point to a danger that reaches well beyond Libya’s borders.
His concern is the safety of ships and sea lanes. He also fears the effect on stability across the wider region.
What Is Alleged
Igwe was responding to a Radio France Internationale (RFI) investigation. It reportedly puts roughly 200 Ukrainian service members on Libyan soil.
The account claims they took part in an attack on the Russian gas carrier Arctic Metagaz. It also says they are coaching Libyan personnel on drones and unmanned boats.
None of this has been confirmed by an official source in the material available. It remains an allegation.
Why the Sea Lanes Matter
Ships carrying fuel and goods between Europe and North Africa pass through these waters every day. Strikes on cargo or gas vessels would hit that traffic quickly.
Delays would follow. Freight and insurance bills would likely climb, and trade would feel the strain.
Igwe also pointed to energy security. Supply routes feeding the Middle East, North Africa and southern and southeastern Europe could be exposed.
A Divided Libya
Igwe flagged a second worry: reported links between Ukrainian intelligence and officials in western Libya. Rival groups elsewhere in the country could read such contacts as a hostile move.
That would add pressure to a country that has struggled to unite since its split into competing power centres. Peace efforts could stall, and outside powers might find new reasons to step in.
A wider flare-up could also choke supply chains across the Mediterranean, with knock-on costs for trade and regional economies.
