Libyan authorities deported more than 150 Nigerian women and children on Tuesday as part of a United Nations-affiliated “voluntary return” program aimed at assisting irregular migrants. The deportation of the migrants, who were mostly women and children, took place under a scheme led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and was part of ongoing efforts to manage the growing number of migrants in Libya.
According to Mohamad Baredaa, a spokesperson for Libya’s migration agency, the group deported on Tuesday consisted of Nigerian women and children. The official confirmed that the group included 160 women and 17 children. These individuals had been living in Libya as irregular migrants, often facing exploitation, abuse, and difficult living conditions.
The women and children were dressed mostly in black tracksuits and were seen gathered at a waiting room in a detention center in Tripoli before being transferred by bus to Mitiga Airport in the Libyan capital. From there, they boarded flights bound for Nigeria. The UN-affiliated repatriation initiative, which aims to provide a safe and dignified return for migrants, has been helping thousands of people return to their home countries after enduring harsh conditions in Libya.
Libya has become one of the primary transit points for migrants seeking to reach Europe, particularly through perilous sea voyages across the Mediterranean. People from various parts of Africa and beyond often travel to Libya in hopes of crossing the sea to Europe in search of better opportunities. However, the journey is fraught with danger, with many migrants falling victim to human traffickers and experiencing extreme abuse.
The instability in Libya, which has persisted since the 2011 overthrow of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising, has contributed to the country’s transformation into a hub for migrant trafficking. With a fragile political situation and an ongoing conflict between rival factions, Libya has struggled to control the flow of migrants, many of whom find themselves trapped in the country without adequate protection or support.
The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that more than 700,000 migrants are currently living in Libya, though Libyan authorities claim that the true number may be much higher. Imad Trabelsi, the interior minister of Libya’s UN-recognized government in Tripoli, suggested earlier this week that the number of migrants could exceed four million, although he acknowledged that exact figures are difficult to ascertain due to the large number of undocumented individuals.
The situation has sparked growing concerns in Libya, especially among Libyan citizens who fear that the country could become overwhelmed by the influx of migrants. Trabelsi emphasized that Libya would not be able to shoulder the burden of illegal immigration alone and would not allow itself to become a permanent settlement for migrants. He stated that Libya is committed to ensuring that migrants return to their home countries but will continue to rely on international assistance to manage the issue effectively.
Libya’s role as a key departure point for migrants seeking to reach Europe has made it a central player in the migration crisis facing North Africa and the Mediterranean region. Human traffickers often prey on migrants in Libya, subjecting them to forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse. Many migrants are held in detention centers in inhumane conditions, where they face overcrowding, inadequate food, and limited access to medical care.
In addition to the dangers posed by human traffickers, migrants in Libya are also vulnerable to violence and exploitation by armed groups and militias that operate with impunity in the country. The lack of a stable government and rule of law has left migrants at the mercy of these groups, further complicating the situation.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) plays a crucial role in helping migrants in Libya return to their home countries. Through its Voluntary Humanitarian Return program, the IOM provides transportation and logistical support for migrants who wish to leave Libya and return to their home countries safely.
In addition to assisting with repatriation efforts, the IOM also works to raise awareness of the dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking, providing migrants with the information they need to make informed decisions about their journeys. The organization also advocates for better protection and assistance for migrants, including those who remain in Libya or other transit countries.
Despite the IOM’s efforts to assist migrants, the challenges in Libya remain severe, with many migrants continuing to face uncertainty, exploitation, and abuse. The ongoing conflict and instability in Libya have made it difficult to ensure the safety and well-being of migrants, and the country’s inability to effectively control migration flows has raised concerns about the future of the region.
The growing number of migrants in Libya, combined with the challenges of managing migration flows, has created tension between Libya and other countries in the region. While the UN and IOM continue to support repatriation efforts, there is concern that more needs to be done to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty, conflict, and lack of opportunities in migrants’ home countries.
Libya’s interior minister, Imad Trabelsi, has stated that the country is committed to working with international partners to address the migration crisis but has made it clear that Libya cannot bear the burden alone. The situation underscores the need for a coordinated regional approach to managing migration, including better border control measures, improved living conditions for migrants, and support for countries of origin to address the underlying causes of migration.
The deportation of over 150 Nigerian women and children marks just one part of the broader migration crisis in Libya, which continues to affect hundreds of thousands of individuals. While repatriation programs like the one led by the IOM offer a lifeline for many migrants, the challenges in Libya remain significant. With human traffickers, armed groups, and a fragile government, Libya has become a dangerous and unstable environment for migrants who dream of reaching Europe.
As the situation unfolds, the international community will need to continue to support Libya and other countries in the region to address the migration crisis. In the meantime, those who are fortunate enough to benefit from repatriation programs like the one seen on Tuesday may find a safer path home, but many others will continue to endure the hardships of migration in search of a better future.
