"Italy-Africa deal is 'border control disguised as aid', say rights groups", 31 January 2024

Rights groups have warned that the new deal signed between Italy and African states is border control disguised as aid with questions being asked about the partners in the deal, who include a defence company.

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Rights groups have said that “whilst some of the announcements are a positive step, organisations have raised concerns.” They highlighted previous efforts to “use development funding to prevent migration have a poor record; involving funding and cooperation with the so-called Libyan Coast Guard and violent militiasthat have committed numerous human rights abuses at sea, returning people to horrific conditions in Libya.”

Adding that “implementing partners in the Mattei Plan include defence company Leonardo (Finmeccanica), whose work includes border control and surveillance, as well as providing armaments to conflict zones which produce displacement.”

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