The European Union (EU) has approved the establishment of a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, as part of efforts to stem irregular migration along one of Europe’s most-trafficked migration routes.

The decision was announced Thursday by the EU Ambassador to Libya, Nicola Orlando, who said that procedures to set up the centre under the EU naval mission, Operation IRINI, have been completed with funding from Italy and Malta.

“We have closed the procedures for the creation of a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Benghazi as part of Operation IRINI, with the funding of Italy and Malta,” Orlando wrote in a post on X.

The announcement came after a meeting in Rome between Rear Admiral Marco Casapieri, Commander of Operation IRINI, Malta’s Ambassador to Italy Daniel Azzopardi and General Khairy Tamimi, Secretary-General of the Command of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces.

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Since the NATO-backed uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been a major transit point for migrants attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing to Europe.

For some time, the European Union and member states have been supporting and training the Libyan coastguard to intercept migrant boats. The bloc formally recognises only the Tripoli-based government, but has stepped up engagement with authorities in eastern Libya after a spike in migrant departures from areas under military commander Khalifa Haftar.

The proposed Benghazi rescue centre has been criticised by human rights organisations, who say that increasing Libya’s maritime capabilities could lead to more migrant boats being intercepted and those on board being sent back to Libya, where the United Nations and rights groups have repeatedly documented abuses against migrants and refugees.

EU officials say cooperation with Libyan authorities is crucial to improve maritime safety, dismantle human smuggling networks and cut down on deaths at sea.

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The Nigerian Government has congratulated President-elect of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella on his electoral victory, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the South American country.

“The election reflects the democratic will of the Colombian people” and Nigeria was ready to “work closely with the incoming administration ahead of its official inauguration on August 7, 2026,” a statement from Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa said.

The government expressed its desire to deepen cooperation with Colombia in areas of mutual interest, such as trade, investment, security and South-South cooperation.

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“Both Nigeria and Colombia have commitment to democracy, peace and sustainable development. “The Government of Nigeria reaffirms its willingness to further strengthen the existing bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries in areas of mutual interest including trade, investment, security and South-South cooperation,” the statement read.

The Nigerian Government also wished the president-elect success as he gets ready to step into office, expressing confidence in his capacity to move the Colombian people forward in progress and prosperity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria remains committed to building stronger diplomatic and economic partnerships with Colombia as both countries continue to pursue shared development goals.

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