On Wednesday, Libya’s Interim interior minister of the Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU), Emad Trabelsi, and his Chadian counterpart signed an agreement for the repatriation and settlement of irregular Chadian migrants in Libya.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Mediterranean Migration Forum held in Tripoli on Wednesday.
The GNU’s media office announced that the agreement aims to establish conditions and procedures for settling the status of Chadian citizens residing in Libya. This will be achieved through identity verification and a comprehensive census of Chadians in Libya, conducted in cooperation between the two countries.
Chadian citizens wishing to voluntarily return to Chad will benefit from logistical and financial assistance provided by both the Libyan and Chadian governments. Additionally, reintegration programs will be implemented to facilitate their return and reintegration into Chadian society.
A joint committee will be formed to monitor and evaluate the implementation of this agreement. The committee will meet regularly to assess progress and develop solutions for any arising issues.
The migration crisis in Libya has been a pressing issue for several years, exacerbated by the country’s political instability and economic challenges. Libya, a key transit point for migrants from various African countries attempting to reach Europe, has struggled with managing the influx of irregular migrants. This situation has led to significant humanitarian concerns, including overcrowded detention centers and insufficient resources to support the migrant population.
The agreement between Libya and Chad is a crucial development in addressing the plight of Chadian migrants in Libya. By providing a structured process for identity verification and voluntary repatriation, the agreement aims to alleviate the humanitarian burden and improve the conditions for migrants. The logistical and financial support for voluntary returnees underscores the commitment of both governments to ensure a humane and dignified process.