Libya: Hundreds of Syrian refugees to return home

Hundreds of Syrian refugees currently residing in Libya are reportedly taking up an offer giving them a free ticket home, as reported by The New Arab via AFP on October 26th.

In the past decade, many Syrian families have been living in Libya as a result of the civil war in the country between The Syrian army and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). However, in recent times there has been a political shift with the two sides reaching a ceasefire, all the while a cautious optimism has been present amongst the population towards their country’s future. This change in circumstances has led to some Syrians choosing to return home.

The Syrian foreign ministry announced that travel agency’s would be providing free tickets allowing Syrians to fly back to Syria’s capital, Damascus. Despite living in Libya, hundreds of Syrians bolted at the chance to return back home and flooded into the travel agency’s in Tripoli to collect free tickets and travel passes.

Many Syrian refugees were reported to be excited to return home. Rami Hassun, who fled political turmoil and conflict in his country, said: “Today, Syria is finding peace and is in a better situation than before. We’re returning to our country, thank god.”

On the other hand, some refugees displayed a greater sense of ambivalence towards returning to Syria. Walid Hamud, a 32-year-old Syrian refugee, acknowledged that while he wanted to return to his country the situation was still highly unstable across much of Syria.

Overall, the influx of Syrians leaving Libya to return to their home country reflects a brewing sense of progress for civilians, post-Assad. Many are aware of the state the country is likely to be in as a result of the extensive conflict there, however they are also prepared to help rebuild their nation from the ground up.

The New Arab via AFP, Maghrebi.org