Slave trade allegations have sparked spirited outrage across Africa and Europe

Video footage released by Cable News Network (CNN) last week showing migrants being sold off at an auction in Tripoli, Libya has sparked a heated debate worldwide.

The footage released by CNN appeared to show youths from Niger and other sub-Saharan countries being sold to buyers for about $400 (£300) at undisclosed locations in Libya.

Libyan authorities have launched formal investigations into slave auctions in the country.?

According to AFP, Libyan Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Metig said his UN-backed Government of National Accord would investigate the allegations, in a statement posted Sunday on the Facebook page of the GNA's press office.

The statement further read, "I will instruct the formation of a commission to investigate these reports in order to apprehend and bring those responsible to justice.''

The chaos ridden nation has long been a major transit hub for migrants trying to reach Europe, and many of them have fallen prey to serious abuse in the North African country at the hands of traffickers.

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