Libya Deports 157 Chadian Migrants from Sebha
The Libyan government designated by the House of Representatives has announced the first voluntary deportation operation from Sebha Airport in over 15 years. The move involved the repatriation of 157 undocumented Chadian migrants, and signals the government's continued rejection of migrant resettlement in Libya.
The operation was overseen by Foreign Minister Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij during his inspection visit to Sebha Airport. According to a statement from the foreign ministry, Al-Hwaij closely monitored the procedures and personally interacted with some of the migrants before their departure, wishing them a safe return home.
The deportation was carried out in coordination with the Department for Combating Illegal Migration under the Ministry of Interior, along with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Authorities described the mission as a coordinated effort between national institutions and international partners.
Al-Hwaij reiterated the Libyan Parliament-designate government's firm stance against any proposals to resettle migrants in Libya or turn the country into a border guard for Europe. He stressed that Libya 'rejects any attempt to make it a destination for illegal migration or a holding zone for migrants destined for Europe.'
The foreign minister called for a 'comprehensive and sustainable approach' to the migration issue, highlighting the need for joint efforts between countries of origin, transit, and destination. He urged regional and international collaboration to tackle the underlying causes of irregular migration.
Libya remains a major transit hub for African migrants trying to reach Europe. However, the eastern-based government has repeatedly voiced its opposition to becoming a long-term host for migrants. Tags: ChadIOMlibyamigrationRepatriation
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
10 hours ago
- Libya Review
Libya Invests in Afreximbank to Support Reconstruction
Libya has officially become a shareholder in the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) after fully paying for its shares on 13 May. The move marks a strategic milestone aimed at supporting the country's economic recovery and strengthening its integration into the African trade and investment landscape. According to a statement on Afreximbank's website, Libya's accession to the bank's founding agreement in October 2024 made it the 52nd African nation to join the institution. This step contributes to Afreximbank's goal of achieving continental coverage and advancing its agenda for African integration. The bank operates across key sectors including infrastructure, oil and gas, and the export of manufactured goods to African markets. It also supports regional integration projects that connect Libya with other North African countries. Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, Chairman of Afreximbank, praised Libya's investment, noting that it positions the bank to play a critical role in supporting the Libyan government's reconstruction efforts. He highlighted that Libya's membership enables investment in vital cross-border infrastructure projects, such as oil pipelines, road links between Libya and Egypt, and electricity interconnection projects with Tunisia and Algeria. 'This demonstrates the confidence African governments place in their multilateral financial institution,' said Oramah, adding that Libya's contribution will help expand the bank's capital base and enhance its impact across the region. Libya's Minister of Finance, Dr Khaled Al-Mabrouk, representing the Government of National Unity (GNU), emphasised the significance of this partnership. He described Libya's membership as a turning point in the country's path to economic diversification and reconstruction. 'This acquisition establishes Libya as a full member and shareholder in this prestigious African multilateral institution. It is a historic achievement following our signing of the bank's founding agreement,' said Al-Mabrouk. He added that Libya's move reflects its commitment to deeper economic integration within Africa. 'As the 52nd African country to join Afreximbank, we affirm our dedication to building strong trade and investment ties across the continent.' For over three decades, Afreximbank has led efforts to transform intra-African trade, offering innovative financing solutions that drive industrialisation and economic growth.
Libya Review
15 hours ago
- Libya Review
UNHCR Warns of Sharp Rise in Sudanese Refugees in Libya
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that approximately 313,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to Libya since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023. This marks a significant increase of over 56,000 compared to the previous month's total of 256,000. The UNHCR's 2025 Regional Refugee Response Plan estimates that by the end of 2025, there will be 621,000 Sudanese refugees in need in Libya—an alarming 40% increase since November 2024, when the number stood at 446,000. Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent appeal for $13.5 million in funding to continue delivering essential aid to displaced Sudanese in Libya. Without additional resources, the program warned it may be forced to scale back or halt its operations. In April 2025 alone, WFP reached 58,456 Sudanese refugees in Libya, delivering 602 metric tons of food aid and distributing $64,650 in cash assistance to support vulnerable families. To maintain operations from June through November 2025, the program urgently requires an additional $5 million. WFP also provided nutritional support to 4,236 children under five and 1,989 pregnant and breastfeeding women through the distribution of 12.5 metric tons of specialized food supplements. In support of host communities, WFP distributed over $64,000 via cash transfers to vulnerable Sudanese groups in Benghazi, Sabha, and Zawiya, amounting to 5,666 Libyan dinars per beneficiary. The refugee influx continues to strain Libya's humanitarian infrastructure, with both international organizations and local partners calling for immediate global assistance. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: libyasabhaSudanese RefugeesUNHCRWFP
Libya Review
16 hours ago
- Libya Review
12 Sudanese Nationals Die in Libyan Desert Accident
A devastating road accident in southeastern Libya claimed the lives of twelve Sudanese nationals, including women and children, according to a statement released on Friday by the Emergency and Ambulance Service. The fatal crash occurred approximately 90 kilometers north of the city of Al-Kufra. The collision involved a passenger vehicle, identified as a Toyota Escudo, and a heavy truck. Emergency teams were immediately dispatched to the site following an urgent call. In addition to the 12 confirmed fatalities, two other individuals sustained injuries of varying severity. They were transported to Atiyah Al-Kasah Hospital for urgent medical attention. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the collision, but investigations are ongoing. The accident underscores the ongoing safety concerns along remote desert roads in Libya, particularly in migrant transit zones. Al-Kufra lies along one of the key smuggling routes frequently used by migrants from Sudan and other African countries attempting to move northward through Libya. This latest tragedy comes amid increasing concerns over road safety and migrant protection in the region. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: KufralibyaRoad AccidentSudanese Migrants
