The UN refugee agency warned Friday that a rising number of Sudanese refugees are risking the journey to Europe, driven by dwindling aid and ongoing conflict.
Over 1,000 Sudanese have reached or attempted to reach Europe in the first two months of 2025, the agency said, as the brutal war between General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces continues into its second year, displacing 12 million people.
While some have returned to Khartoum, most remain in neighboring countries like Egypt and Chad, where international aid cuts — including from the U.S. — are worsening conditions.
UNHCR spokesperson Olga Sarrado said 484 Sudanese arrived in Europe in January and February, a 38% rise from the same time last year. Another 937 were intercepted at sea and sent back to Libya — more than double last year’s figure.
“As humanitarian aid crumbles and if the war does not abate, many more will have little choice than to join them,” Sarrado warned.
Last year saw a record number of migrant deaths, many on the perilous Mediterranean route, according to the UN migration agency.
