The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has confirmed the deportation of 134 Malian migrants from Libya to their home country under its Voluntary Humanitarian Return programme.
In a statement released Thursday, IOM said the return took place on May 26 from Sebha in southern Libya to Bamako, Mali.
Libya remains a key transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe through the Mediterranean, following the instability that erupted after the 2011 fall of Muammar Gaddafi.
According to IOM data, 9,285 migrants have been intercepted and returned to Libya so far in 2025. Additionally, 160 migrants have died and 234 remain missing along the central Mediterranean route.
Since 2015, more than 98,000 stranded migrants have been returned to their countries through the IOM programme.
Libyan authorities continue to call for increased support from the European Union and affected nations to help address irregular migration.
