Libyan mayors say Europe's migration crisis should not be dumped on themMayors from Libya's desert south to northern shores fear a deal struck between Tripoli and Rome to fund migrant holding centres in the north African country will simply shift Europe's migration crisis onto Libyan soil. "Our priority is to support our own sons instead of allowing for illegal migrants in centres," said Hamed Al-Khyali, mayor of the southern city of Sabha, a migrant smuggling hub. Libya descended into chaos after the 2011 toppling of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi, enabling smuggling gangs to develop entrenched networks. The migrant crisis was too great for Libyan authorities to handle, the mayor said. Both agencies have said that Libya should not be considered a safe country to hold migrants and process asylum requests.

Source: Libya Today February 10, 2017 15:03 UTC