November 4, Al Kufra — The number of Sudanese refugees arriving in the Libyan city of Al-Kufra, which borders Sudan, has been steadily increasing, following the escalation of fighting in North Darfur and Gezira state. Allegedly around 300 people are arriving weekly in the town.
Al-Fatih Abulgasim Mahmoud, a Sudanese refugee who arrived in Al-Kufra last week, said that he came fleeing from El Fasher with his wife and three children.
“The most important thing is that we have found safety after spending difficult days amid shells, stray bullets and a lack of food,” he said.
The United Nations said last week that it estimated nearly 101,500 Sudanese refugees had arrived in Libya since April 2023. They said there were 300-400 arrivals per day. The refugees “present concerning health conditions, requiring immediate assistance, including nutritional support.”
The UN noted that local authorities were providing significant assistance but support to local communities is needed throughout the country, with refugees moving outwards to coastal cities.
According to the Ministry of Health in Al-Kufra, approximately 92,000 Sudanese refugees have reached the city, “prompting serious concerns of a looming humanitarian crisis if rapid support isn’t delivered,” the UN said.
Al-Kufra Municipal Council allegedly held a meeting in October to discuss the process of distributing refugees to the rest of the Libyan cities in the east and west due to the overcrowding.