Libya repatriates 369 Nigeria and Mali migrants amid allegations of forced deportations
Libya repatriated 369 migrants to Nigeria and Mali on July 30, including over a hundred women and children.
The operation involved two flights: one carrying 204 Nigerians and another with 165 Malians. Among those repatriated were nine babies, 18 minors, and 108 women.
The repatriation was coordinated with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which assists with voluntary returns and reintegration. However, some migrants alleged that they were forcibly deported.
Hakim, a 59-year-old Nigerian resident in Libya for 25 years, claimed that authorities forcibly entered his home, confiscated his passport, and detained him and his wife before repatriation.
"The authorities came and broke down the door. They told us: ‘Get out, get out, where are the phones, where's the money?' That's how it is for all of us, all Africans," Hakim Salem, one of the many deportees told AFP.
Libya has faced criticism for its treatment of migrants, including claims of extortion and slavery. As a key departure point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to reach Europe, Libya has seen increased efforts to curb irregular migration.
Earlier this month, Libyan authorities estimated that up to 80% of foreigners in the country were undocumented.
