Libya deports more than 200 illegal immigrants

Libya on Thursday sent more than 200 illegal immigrants back to their countries of origin. Among the deportees were "105 Egyptians, 101 Chadians and 20 Sudanese," official Badreddine al-Sed Ben Hamed told the 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 to the border crossings in buses. Embassy staff from the countries of origin attended the deportation process.

The action was organized by the interior ministry of Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah's internationally recognized interim 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.

Every year, Libya, devastated by the civil war, is a transit station for thousands of refugees on their way across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. Most of them enter the country via the southern border, which runs through the Sahara. Police spokesman Ahmed Abu Kraa said detention centers for immigrant detainees have been "flooded, creating many problems".

Libya is regularly criticized for its treatment of migrants. Human rights groups report appalling treatment at the hands of human traffickers and in government detention centers. Authorities and state-appointed armed groups were repeatedly accused of torture, rape and other ill-treatment.

For example, Amnesty International found that migrants are subject to "widespread and systematic human rights violations and abuses" by state officials, militias and armed groups. Those responsible will not be held accountable.