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Sarraj Announces Return of Tawergha Residents after 6 Years of Displacement

Sarraj Announces Return of Tawergha Residents after 6 Years of Displacement

Wednesday, 27 December, 2017 - 09:15
Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. (Reuters)

Chairman of the Libyan Presidential Council Fayaz al-Sarraj announced on Tuesday that the displaced residents of Tawergha will start returning to their hometown by next February.


The declaration puts an end to the file of around 42,000 citizens who were forced to leave their homes more than six years ago due to disputes with Misrata residents.


Tawergha residents told Asharq Al-Awsat that an agreement was reached between representatives of Tawergha and Misrata, and a mechanism was put in place to implement it. They expressed concerns however that their return might be difficult.


Sarraj added that the decision includes allocating the required financial compensation to the displaced.


State services and security institutions will be tasked with safeguarding the Tawergha residents’ return.


Observers attributed the reason behind evacuating Tawergha from its residents to disputes with nearby Misrata that date back to the former regime in 2011.


Tawergha used to support Libyan leader Moammar al-Gadhafi. After his ouster, Misrata factions raided the city.


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