Sema Fonkem 02/08/2025

18 Migrants have died and 50 remain missing after a shipwreck off the coast of Tobruk in eastern Libya that occurred over the weekend.

After reports made by International Organisation for Migration on Tuesday, ten survivors have been found by rescue teams.

The migrants involved in this incident are Egyptians who embarked on greener pasture via Tobruk, a coastal city that shares border with Egypt.

10 bodies that were identified have been repatriated to Egypt while the 10 survivors are currently being held at an anti-illegal immigration facility in Libya. Since the assassination of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has become a major transit route for migrants who are fleeing armed conflict, poverty, political intimidation and other injustices in their home countries.

Egypt’s repressive regime has led to a dwindling economy met with mounting public frustration. Recently, Egyptians have taken to the streets to demand free and fair election after President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi secured nearly 90% of votes during the 2023 presidential. He was also accused of amending the constitution which allowed him to run for a third term on a six years mandate.