Deadly Limbo for Africans and Black Libyans

As Libya turns a new chapter in its history and moves towards creating a democratic state that has the support of Western nations, African migrants and black Libyans have expressed fears about their future.

While most Libyans have celebrated their country’s new era since the capital, Tripoli was seized last month, African laborers and those identified as Muammar Qaddafi's foreign soldiers have faced a difficult time.

Race has been a divisive issue in Libya, like in some other North African states, where Africans say they are treated dismissively.

However the violence towards black mercenaries and black Libyans during the uprising has lent the race issue a new and deadly currency.

Tripoli's suburbs are occupied with hundreds of Africans who can be found squatting at a fishing port in, and cooking over open fires amid the stink of urine.

"I came here because I was afraid to stay in town. I could be hurt, there are too many stories I'd heard. So, I ran to this place when the fighting was getting closer into Tripoli," said Antony, a Nigerian resident of Libya.

Many migrants are in route to Europe through Libya, which the fugitive leader once controlled, but are now in limbo under the new leadership.

"The aim that I am here is only to go to abroad but I don't want to participate in the war that is going on in this country of Libya," said Alan, from Somalia.

The charity organization Islamic Relief Worldwide has arranged for shelter, food and water as well as some work opportunities for refugees.

"When the companies, the factories return to Tripoli and life gets closer back to normal, we'll be trying to be right there, trying to make arrangements for these people to be getting into the workplace," said Nicolas Bruylants, program director with Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Interim council fighters gathered hundreds of Africans after Qaddafi forces weakened, and found documents identifying African corpses which they said proved that Qaddafi’s strongholds consisted of African workers and migrants who were hired as soldiers as well as Qaddafi loyalists.