Libya refuses to host US-deported migrants, says sovereignty 'not negotiable'

The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) on Wednesday dismissed media reports suggesting that Libya had reached an agreement with the United States to accept migrants expelled from American soil. In its official response, the GNU made it clear that "there is no such deal or coordination" and called for respect of Libya’s national sovereignty. The government also warned that “parallel entities” unauthorised to act on behalf of the Libyan state might be involved in unauthorised discussions that hold no legal or political weight. Libya remains divided between the UN-recognised GNU based in the west and an eastern administration led by Khalifa Haftar, whose forces control parts of the country from Benghazi and Tobruk.

The reports surfaced during a visit to Washington by Haftar’s son, Saddam Haftar, raising concerns about unofficial diplomatic engagements. GNU Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah reinforced the message on social media, saying that Libya “refuses to be a destination for expelled migrants, whatever the pretext,” and insisted that any deals made by illegitimate actors are void. Echoing the GNU’s stance, the eastern administration also released a statement denying any involvement in a migrant resettlement deal. Both sides agreed that Libya’s sovereignty must be upheld.