Spanish nationals trapped in Tripoli await repatriation

Friday 16 May 2025 - 08:31

By: Zahouani Ilham

Spanish nationals trapped in Tripoli await repatriation

About twenty Spanish citizens are currently confined within the Spanish Embassy in Tripoli, Libya, awaiting repatriation, which they expect to happen within one or two days. The Libyan Government of National Unity recently announced a ceasefire after several days of clashes among local militias in the capital. This truce is evident in the streets with the end of gunfire, but the aftermath of the fighting remains visible, including the closure of the airport that prevents the Spaniards sheltered at the embassy from leaving the country.

Among those trapped are eight businesspeople, accompanied by Roberto Barros, International Director of the Tarragona Chamber of Commerce, who were on a commercial mission and caught off guard by the conflict during meetings with local entrepreneurs.

Barros described their experience: "On Monday, we were having dinner and had to rush back to the hotel. On Tuesday, we held normal meetings inside the hotel and did not go outside. Monday night into Tuesday was tense, but Tuesday night to Wednesday was even worse. On Wednesday morning, we had to stay in the basement." He added that diplomatic police escorted them downstairs to avoid stray bullets.

Despite the turmoil, Barros emphasized that the situation was not dangerous and their lives were not at risk. He highlighted that Libya remains a promising market. "Businesspeople are already considering returning once things settle down," he said, noting that the Tarragona Chamber of Commerce organizes such trips, sets up meetings, and accompanies exporters from all over Spain.

Barros further explained that the country’s economy heavily involves food products, construction materials, and industrial machinery. "With many industries restarting, demand for tools and machinery is growing. The results so far have been positive, and entrepreneurs are eager to return." He concluded by remarking that such intense conflicts had not occurred there for a long time.