Nearly 300.000 have already left Libya. Thousands of migrants still stranded
The latest figures provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are accurate. As of March 14, 287,846 people have left Libya. Half by Tunisia (154.186) the others by Egypt (120.986), Niger (3.580), Algeria (9.094). No information comes from refugees arriving in Sudan. This figure is therefore a minimum.
Migrants stranded in Libya. Very difficult situation around Tripoli airport
According to information received by IOM, there are still 19.000 migrants stranded at the Libyan border with Tunisia and Egypt. And the number of Africans stranded around Tripoli airport has increased significantly in recent days. We knew there were several thousand. in very difficult conditions “, as had confided, several days ago already, a European diplomat to 'B2' who had been able to go there. According to the IOM, the number of refugees has now reached 1 km2. This can represent several tens of thousands of people.
Too slow repatriation in Tunisia
In Tunisia, the problem remains the evacuation of these refugees. UNHCR believes that there are not enough long-range means. And there are more refugees arriving every day at the Tunisian border than there are leaving, according to the Tunisian Ministry of Health. Thus 3186 people arrived at the Choucha camp, located 25 km from the border, on March 12 and 13, half of them being Ghanaians (1615). But only 2000 people left. Another problem: the Somalis and Eritreans who have nowhere to go. The typology of people arriving is also beginning to change: in particular the proportion of women and children arriving at this camp continues to increase.
Crossing the desert in Niger
In Niger, where even if there is not a significant number, the conditions are not obvious. A military escort was organized to repatriate these people from the border to Niamey, a four-day trip through the desert.
Read also:
- Return from European mission to Tripoli: "Try everything before the hard option" (update)
- K. Georgieva: Tripoli must guarantee access to humanitarian organizations. It's his duty
- le IRIN report - the news agency of the United Nations Humanitarian Office
