Libyan Militia Chief Accused Of War Crimes Spotted In Italy On Malta-Issued Schengen Visa
Libyan militia leader Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, also known as ‘Gheniwa’, has been seen in Italy after entering with a Schengen visa issued by Malta.
Al-Kikli, accused of war crimes, torture, and abductions, was photographed in a Rome hospital visiting Libya’s Minister of State, Adel Jumaa, who was receiving treatment following a failed assassination attempt.
As the head of the ‘Stability Support Apparatus’ (SSA), a coalition of militias conducting EU-backed anti-migration operations in the Mediterranean, al-Kikli has been accused of brutal treatment of migrants. Amnesty International and other reports claim his forces have committed serious human rights abuses.
The visit has raised concerns over how he obtained a visa. Malta’s foreign affairs ministry confirmed his application was processed in November 2023 through its Tripoli consulate, with police support and Schengen-wide consultation. “No issues were registered,” a spokesperson stated.
Meanwhile, activist Husam El Gomati, citing unnamed sources, alleged that al-Kikli is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), though Italian media, including ANSA, disputes this. El Gomati also noted that Jumaa later left Italy for Malta, where he owns a residence, with his family following via private jet.
Al-Kikli has been a major force in Libya for over a decade. A 2021 Amnesty International report accused him of overseeing abductions and torture, while a 2022 Associated Press report described his fighters as having killed migrants at sea and subjected detainees to inhumane treatment.
His appearance in Italy follows another contentious case: the recent release of Libyan judicial police head Osama Almasri Najim from an Italian prison due to legal technicalities. Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio later claimed the ICC’s warrant against Najim contained “errors and inaccuracies.”
The fallout extended to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who was placed under judicial investigation a week later for alleged embezzlement and aiding a crime. She suggested the inquiry was politically motivated, according to the BBC.
Although al-Kikli’s organisation remains officially sanctioned and reports to Libya’s Presidential Council, his visit to Italy has reignited debate over Europe’s handling of Libyan militia figures, especially in migration control efforts.
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