Libya recently repatriated 174 irregular migrants back to Nigeria, including 39 women and six children, with more returns planned in the coming weeks, according to the country’s interior ministry. The operations, conducted by either plane or road depending on the nationality, are part of ongoing efforts to manage irregular migration.
On June 25, 2024, Mohammed Baredaa, head of Libya’s Interior Ministry’s department tasked with combating irregular migration, announced the repatriation. He stated, “We have initiated the repatriation of 174 irregular migrants of Nigerian origin, including 39 women and six children.” This effort reflects Libya’s strategy to continue these repatriations in the near future.
Libya has been a hub for human trafficking and smuggling, exacerbated by the instability following the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted ruler Muammar Gaddafi. Its proximity to Italy, about 300 kilometers across the Mediterranean, makes it a significant departure point for migrants guided by smugglers. Regular repatriation operations are conducted, sometimes in cooperation with international organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return program aids vulnerable migrants stranded in Libya, offering them a safe passage home.
Zakaria Abubaker Shueib, a 20-year-old Nigerian migrant set to be repatriated, shared his experience with AFP. “I have been in Libya for three years, working and saving money with the hope of eventually moving to Europe,” he said. Such stories highlight the human aspect of migration and the harsh realities faced by those seeking better opportunities.
Libya’s efforts are not solitary. In May, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Libyan officials to discuss enhancing mechanisms to curb clandestine migration. The two countries have agreements in place for migration management and infrastructure projects, with the European Union also providing support to the Libyan coast guard. This cooperation aims to manage migration flows along the Central Mediterranean route.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire. An IOM report noted an increase in migrant deaths or disappearances, rising to 4,984 last year across Middle Eastern and North African migration paths, up from 3,820 in 2022. Libya, after Tunisia, reported the highest number of incidents with 683 migrant deaths, most originating from western Libya, governed by the US and European-backed Government of National Unity (GNU). This statistic underscores the ongoing challenges in managing migration and ensuring the safety of those involved.