Libya's two rival administrations have both rejected claims of an agreement to receive deported immigrants from the U.S., emphasizing that any such actions would infringe upon their sovereignty. The controversy arises as the Trump administration reportedly plans military flights to transfer migrants to the North African nation, known for its dire treatment of refugees.
Libya Rejects U.S. Deportation Plan Amid Sovereignty Concerns
Libya Rejects U.S. Deportation Plan Amid Sovereignty Concerns
Both rival governments in Libya deny reaching an agreement with the U.S. to accept deported immigrants, citing violations of national sovereignty.
U.S. officials have revealed plans by the Trump administration to repatriate deported immigrants to Libya, with military flights potentially taking off within days. This has prompted immediate and firm denials from Libya's two competing governments, which maintain that accepting these deportees would breach the country’s sovereignty.
On Tuesday, U.S. officials indicated that the flights could depart as soon as Wednesday, which coincided with a joint statement from both the internationally recognized Tripoli government and the eastern authorities led by warlord Khalifa Hifter. They both categorically denied any agreements or coordination pertaining to the reception of deported individuals, emphasizing that such actions would proceed without their consent.
The Tripoli government explicitly stated its rejection of being used as a destination for deported migrants and highlighted the likelihood that any discussions may have occurred with “parallel entities” tied to Hifter. The eastern administration echoed this sentiment by asserting their refusal to acknowledge any engagements concerning the resettlement of migrants.
As the U.S. maintains formal relations exclusively with the government in Tripoli, recent visits by Hifter's son to Washington raise questions regarding any unofficial deals that may exist. Critics express grave concerns regarding the implications of deporting individuals to Libya, given its notorious reputation for harsh treatment of migrants.
Reports have documented the brutal conditions within Libyan detention facilities, characterized by severe human rights violations, including torture, forced labor, and inhumane treatment. The prospect of deporting migrants to such an environment has ignited further debate and alarm among human rights activists and advocates of immigrant rights.
