A massive exodus of Sudanese refugees escaping the ongoing conflict in their homeland has led to a surge in migration into Libya, prompting concerns of a potential rise in attempts to reach Europe by sea.
Malik Al-Digawi, the leader of the initiative to curb illegal immigration and support returning Sudanese communities in Libya, estimates that more than 400,000 refugees have sought refuge in Kufra, near the Libyan-Chad border.
The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) suggests the actual figure could be twice as high.
A significant number of refugees are concentrated in Kufra and the capital, Tripoli, where some resort to sleeping outside the UNHCR headquarters in hopes of registration.
The refugees typically enter Libya through Egypt and Chad, driven by desperation due to prolonged waiting times and insufficient aid.
Local communities in Kufra have generously opened their homes and farms to accommodate refugees, with various organizations providing essential supplies such as food and blankets. However, the influx has strained available resources and raised worries about potential exploitation by human traffickers.
The 10-month-long conflict has compelled thousands to seek refuge in Egypt and Chad before arriving in Libya.
