In brief
Officials from Libya's rival administrations refute a U.S. plan to send deported immigrants back to the North African country, citing sovereignty concerns amid ongoing conflict.
Libya's divided governments have both firmly denied any deal with the U.S. to accept deported immigrants, following reports that the Trump administration intends to send migrants back to the country on military flights soon. U.S. officials indicated that such flights could commence as early as Wednesday, stirring controversy given Libya's entrenched political instability and treatment of migrants.The internationally recognized government in Tripoli, which controls the western part of Libya, issued a statement rejecting any "agreement or coordination" regarding the deportation of migrants and emphasized the country's sovereignty. It condemned unauthorized use of Libyan territory by external forces for migration deportation without official consent.In an ironic twist, the Tripoli government also hinted that eastern Libyan authorities, under the command of warlord Khalifa Hifter, might privately negotiate a deal with Washington. They rejected any agreements involving migrant deportation as lacking legal and political standing on behalf of Libya.Meanwhile, the eastern Libyan administration also denied having any arrangements for accepting deportees, regardless of their nationality. Although Washington maintains formal relations solely with the Tripoli government, Hifter's son recently visited Washington, raising questions about possible separate dealings.Critics of a U.S. plan to deport immigrants to Libya highlight the country’s notorious reputation for abusing migrant rights. Libya, a significant transit route for migrants seeking entry into Europe, has faced scrutiny for dire conditions in its detention centers. Amnesty International previously termed these facilities as "hellscapes," citing rampant instances of violence, torture, and even slavery.The potential repatriation of immigrants to a nation embroiled in conflict and human rights controversies has sparked significant debate regarding the ethics and legality of such an action amidst the chaos of both governmental powers in Libya.
