This Saturday, 61 people (16) died in a ship accident in Libya, the International Organization for Migration reported in the country. Among the victims were women and children.
In a publication on the social network X (formerly Twitter), the organization said that, according to reports from survivors of the accident, the boat had about 86 people on board when it sank.
Survivors also said the boat left the town of Zwara, about 110 kilometers from the capital Tripoli, for Europe. The victims came from Nigeria, Gambia and other countries on the African continent.
The organization stressed that the central Mediterranean “remains one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world.”
Yet thousands of people cross the Mediterranean every year with Libya one of the main exit points to reach the European continent because their countries of origin are devastated by violence.
The organization's spokesman, Flavio Di Giacomo, announced that 2,250 migrants died in the Mediterranean this year alone. “A dramatic figure that unfortunately shows that not enough is being done to save lives at sea.”
1 of 1 Image shows a shipwreck that occurred off the coast of Libya on May 26, 2016 Photo: EUNAVFOR MED/Portal Image shows a shipwreck that occurred off the coast of Libya on May 26, 2016 Photo: EUNAVFOR MED/ Portal
In 2011, Libya was divided between rival governments following the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. The administration, recognized by the United Nations, is based in Tripoli. However, this management has no control over the east of the country, which was hardest hit by the storm.
Currently, Libya has two prime ministers: Abdul Hamid Dbeibah is in Tripoli and commands the western belt; Ossama Hamad rules the eastern side of the city of Benghazi.
Both governments receive support from different countries. While Tripoli is supported by Turkey, Qatar and Italy, the government in Benghazi is supported by Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.
Even in the face of international pressure, the country is struggling to unify. An election was planned in 2021, but was ultimately postponed.
Against the backdrop of the dispute, violent conflicts between rival groups have killed dozens of people. In August, for example, a clash between armed groups in Tripoli left 45 people dead.
Libya also has large oil reserves. However, wealth is hardly reflected in the daily life of the population.