Libya held on Wednesday a conference on irregular migration that saw the attendance of representatives from 28 European and African countries hoping to establish a "strategic" cooperation to resolve the issue. Libya, about 300 kilometres (186 miles) from Italy, is a key departure point for migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan African countries, risking perilous Mediterranean Sea journeys to seek better lives in Europe. But with mounting efforts by the European Union to curb irregular migration, many have found themselves stranded in Libya and other North African countries. He called for development projects in departure countries. "We can only resolve the migration crisis at the root, in the countries of departure," he said.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 18, 2024 08:27 UTC