Often, migrants from different African states tend to cross the Mediterranean waters to Europe through Libya. Nevertheless, amid their journeys, they risk their lives traveling in unauthorized vessels sneaking their way into their destinations. Occasionally, some have drowned in shipwrecks while others arrested for trespassing.
The Rescue
On Sunday, almost 100 migrants were rescued off the Libyan coast after a failed attempt to cross the dangerous sea to Italy. According to reports, most of the migrants were Africans from Cameroon, Sudan, and Mali. Sources revealed that the dire need for humanitarian aid likely facilitated their attempt to relocate abroad.
Soon after completing the rescue operation, the coastguards brought them to a naval base in Libya’s capital. While at the naval base, they met with a team from the International Organization for the Migration. Among the survivors were six women and two children. Nevertheless, two people were in critical condition following the rough waters. They were immediately rushed to the hospital. Also, 20 men were alleged to be missing.
Other Rescue Operations
Similar incidents of human trafficking or unauthorized travels have been recurrent in the coastal waters of Libya. Though many migrants perceive the route as the shortest and most accessible, it is the most dangerous. The deep-sea is encroached by waves and sea creatures that unlikely can support human life.
On Saturday, the German Charity Sea-Watch said it had saved nearly 150 migrants off Libya’s coast while conducting two operations. That is not the first incident, as often many refugees are rescued from the Libyan coast.
Last month, hundreds of Europe-bound refugees were also intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea off the Libyan coast and taken to detention. According to the International Organization for Migration of Libya, thousands of migrants have been departing from Libya for Europe on a mission to escape deteriorating conditions in their countries.
The coastguards had stopped over 800 refugees this time and sent them to Libya’s notorious detention centers. Since 2011 when the NATO-backed uprising ousted former President Muammar Gaddafi, the war tone Libya has been serving as a transit point for refugees and migrants fleeing their countries.
Why Do Migrants Seek Refuge Abroad?
The issue of refugees migrating to Europe through the Libyan coast has become a significant concern and controversial topic. In most cases, we condemn the migrants for making such irrational decisions risking their lives in the Mediterranean. We fail to acknowledge the fact that some factors are leading to such decisions.
The recent migrants were alleged to come from west Africas’ Mali, Cameroon, and Sudan. The above states are violence-prone destinations, with unending cases of civil violence and inter-ethnic conflicts. Because of the endless violence, the countries have become insecure and unsafe.
Also, the escalating rebel attacks in rural parts of these countries have steered the process. More so during the insurgent attacks, the armed men kill people, steal and chase them away from their homes. The rising number of refugees is because of the attacks. And most of all, the scarcity of humanitarian needs like food, water, and proper shelter. As such, many Africans prefer migrating to the west in search of employment opportunities to improve their living standards.
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