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| Africa North |
| Libyan migrant round-up |
| 2024-11-18 |
All articles from the Libya Review. 31 Syrian Migrants Rescued Off Libyan CoastThe Libyan Stability Support Agency announced the rescue of 31 Syrian migrants off the coast near Suwai’diyah Beach in the Salloum area after their boat capsised. Among the rescued, 25 were in good health, four received critical medical care in intensive care units, and two unfortunately succumbed despite rescue efforts. The agency reported that after receiving information about the presence of migrants at sea, Al Khoms office responded swiftly. They rescued the migrants and brought the capsised boat ashore. The boat was subsequently destroyed by fire due to the inability to identify its owner and based on migrants’ claims that they had purchased it. This measure was taken to prevent its future use. Legal procedures were followed, and the migrants were handed over to the relevant authorities for further processing. Nigerian Migrants Deported by Libyan Authorities The Libyan Department for Combating Illegal Migration recently deported a group of migrants, including seven Nigerians, three Bangladeshis, and three Ghanaians, for violations of Libyan law. The agency confirmed on social media platform X that the individuals had been held at the Qanfoudah Immigration Detention Centre before being flown out via Benina International Airport in Benghazi. This deportation incident follows recent tensions between Nigeria and Libya, stemming from an incident involving the countries’ football teams during the qualifiers for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Disputes arose after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) claimed that Nigerian players were stranded at a Libyan airport. In response, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) alleged similar treatment for their own players in Nigeria. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) reviewed the matter, concluding that Libya had breached AFCON regulations and CAF’s disciplinary code. Subsequently, CAF penalised Libya by awarding Nigeria a 3-0 victory, even though the match was not played after Nigeria’s decision to withdraw. Following CAF’s ruling, rumours began to circulate about mass arrests of Nigerians in Libya, with some suggesting these were reprisals. However, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly refuted these claims, dismissing any large-scale targeting of Nigerian nationals by Libyan authorities. Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Libyan Coast Libya’s Ambulance and Emergency Service has reported that a migrant boat capsized off the coast of Al Khums early today, with efforts underway to rescue those on board. The service said its emergency teams were quickly dispatched from Al Khums, Msallata, Qarabulli, and Qasr Al-Akhyar to respond to the incident and conduct search and rescue operations. The authorities have not yet disclosed the number of people on the vessel or confirmed any casualties or survivors. Rescue workers are reportedly navigating difficult conditions to reach potential survivors and continue their efforts along the coast. Libya remains a significant transit point for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, often in unsafe and overcrowded boats. The increased migrant flows and dangerous conditions have led to numerous maritime accidents in recent years. Libya’s coastal regions, particularly areas like Al Khums, frequently witness similar incidents, prompting repeated calls for enhanced rescue capabilities and greater international assistance. Egyptian Migrants Deported from Libya The Libyan Anti-Illegal Migration Authority announced on Wednesday the deportation of Egyptian migrants via the Imsaad Land Crossing. In a statement on its social media page, the authority confirmed the migrants’ removal due to violations of entry laws and regulations governing entry to Libyan territory. While the exact number of deported individuals was not disclosed, the authority indicated that deportation efforts are ongoing. In a related context, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on July 23 that over 80,000 migrants have been voluntarily repatriated from Libya to their home countries since 2015 through the Voluntary Humanitarian Return program. The IOM has facilitated the return of migrants from 49 different countries across Africa and Asia, ensuring they receive necessary assistance upon arrival in their home countries. This support includes comprehensive reintegration aid, such as economic, social, and psychosocial assistance to help migrants rebuild their lives. Libyan Security Forces Foil Human Trafficking Attempt to Europe On Tuesday, Libyan security forces detained 90 migrants in Sabratha who were allegedly about to be smuggled to Europe by a human trafficking gang. The migrants, from various African nations, were discovered in a hideout used as a staging point for illegal crossings of the Mediterranean. Sabratha, a city in western Libya, is frequently used by traffickers as a key launch site for unauthorized migration to Europe. Libyan authorities have intensified efforts to intercept these operations, with ongoing arrests in areas where trafficking is prevalent. These interventions underscore the challenges Libya faces in managing migration routes and curbing human trafficking from its borders. According to the Sabratha Security Directorate, the successful raid was carried out by intelligence and patrol units who acted on a tip-off, detaining the migrants before they were taken to the coast. Legal actions have been initiated against those involved in the smuggling network, and the migrants have received the necessary care and assistance. In a separate incident, Libya’s Interior Ministry reported that security patrols rescued 13 African migrants who were found stranded in the Hamada Al-Hamra desert. The migrants, who had lost their way in the vast desert, were provided with medical care and transported to a safe location. Libya’s expansive deserts pose severe risks for migrants attempting remote border crossings. Authorities have previously recovered the remains of migrants who perished after becoming lost in these harsh conditions, highlighting the dangers faced by those seeking to enter Libya through isolated routes. |
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