Libya deports more than 200 illegal immigrants from Canada wants to invest 1.2 billion francs in climate adaptation

Libya returned more than 200 illegal immigrants to their countries of origin on Thursday. Those deported included “105 Egyptians, 101 Chadians and 20 Sudanese,” official Badreddine al-Sed Ben Hamed told AFP news agency. The deportation was made possible by a rare agreement between the country’s rival governments.

The migrants, dressed in different tracksuits depending on their nationality, were provided with biscuits and drinks by the police before being taken in buses to the border crossings. Embassy staff from the countries of origin attended the deportation process.

The move was organized by the interior ministry of Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah’s internationally recognized caretaker government, whose powers are not recognized by a rival government in the east of the country. Agreements with local authorities and authorities in the south of the country made the deportation possible.

Libya is a transit destination

Every year, Libya, devastated by civil war, is a transit point for thousands of refugees en route across the Mediterranean to Europe. Most enter the country through the southern border, which runs through the Sahara.

Police spokesman Ahmed Abu Kraa said detention centers for immigrant detainees were “flooded, causing many problems”.

Libya is regularly criticized for its treatment of migrants. Human rights groups report appalling treatment by traffickers and in government detention centers. Authorities and state-appointed armed groups were repeatedly accused of torture, rape and other ill-treatment. (aeg/sda/afp)