On Friday, US Special Envoy to Libya Richard Norland met with the Libyan Minister of African Affairs in the Parliament-designate government, Issa Abdulmajid.
The two sides discussed developments in the Libyan southern region and the United States’ strategy to prevent conflict and enhance stability.
The meeting took place in Tunisia, where Norland reaffirmed his country’s commitment to efforts aimed at achieving stability and improving the economy.
The US envoy emphasised the importance of protecting Libya’s sovereignty and supporting the United Nations-led efforts to unify the country and its institutions.
Libya is facing a critical test as it absorbs an escalating number of refugees from the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The North African country is struggling to cope with the humanitarian demands of nearly 500 new arrivals daily. Abdullah Suleiman, the spokesperson for Kufra’s municipality, in southern Libya, expressed deep concern over the southern Libyan city’s ability to manage this crisis.
In a televised interview, the Libyan official added that the health system in southern Libya is particularly hard-hit, with hospitals running out of beds and essential medical supplies dwindling. The closed borders and lack of official entry points have resulted in undocumented and chaotic entries, complicating efforts to provide adequate aid and track refugee numbers accurately.
“The actual number of refugees remains uncertain, making effective response and resource allocation challenging,” Suleiman explained.
With the hot summer months approaching, Suleiman highlighted additional health risks from scorpions, which are prevalent in the area. The demand for anti-venom and other medical supplies is expected to rise, placing further strain on the city’s emergency response capabilities. Suleiman emphasized, “We urgently need more support from the Libyan government and international aid organizations. Kufra cannot manage this situation alone.”
The conflict in Sudan, primarily between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, has intensified, leading to widespread violence and displacement. Recent estimates by Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, suggest that nearly eight million people have been displaced by the conflict, many seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Libya.
Kufra’s proximity to Sudan makes it a frontline city for refugees fleeing the violence. The influx is not only a test of Libya’s capacity to handle a humanitarian crisis but also poses broader security and political challenges for the region. The international community’s role is crucial in stabilizing the situation, providing relief, and supporting local governments to handle the impacts of such large-scale displacements.
