The Libyan Parliament-designate government has discussed the growing number of Sudanese refugees in Libyan cities, especially in Kufra and Ajdabiya.
The meeting, attended by Foreign Minister Abdel-Hadi al-Hwaij and Health Minister Othman Abduljalil, addressed the situation of Sudanese refugees fleeing the war there, according to a government statement.
The meeting also focused on the role of the Foreign Ministry in supporting international organizations to alleviate the suffering of refugees. The ministry has decided to launch an electronic platform to receive job applications from international organizations, streamlining the application and screening process.
Kufra, in southern Libya, is witnessing a humanitarian crisis with thousands of refugees fleeing the war in Sudan, with some estimates indicating over 1,500 refugees arriving in the city daily.
Kufra’s Mayor, Abdel Rahman Aqoub, stated that the conflict in Sudan has led to a significant rise in the number of refugees in Kufra. His administration is actively welcoming displaced individuals and conducting necessary medical examinations despite the limited resources available to the municipality and the health sector.
In an interview with February Channel, Aqoub revealed that since the beginning of the year, around 20,000 health certificates have been issued to newcomers, with 800 cases of hepatitis and AIDS detected among them.
The mayor emphasised the substantial influx of Sudanese brothers and sisters into the municipality, which has strained their modest capabilities. He assured that efforts are ongoing to control the situation and provide care to the refugees, including facilitating the repatriation of those infected back to Sudan.
Given Kufra’s proximity to Sudan, there has traditionally been a significant presence of the Sudanese community in the area. Aqoub noted that most refugees are located in farms and there are no special shelters for them. He also pointed out the lack of assistance from both NGOs and the Government of National Unity.
