Libyan Member of Parliament Abdel Moneim Al-Arfi has highlighted the continuous influx of refugees fleeing conflicts in neighbouring countries such as Sudan, Niger, and Chad into Libya.
He noted that the historical ties between Libya and these countries, as well as the connections between tribes like the Tuareg, Tebu, and Awlad Suleiman, contribute to this ongoing migration.
Al-Arfi stressed the importance of securing borders to prevent deaths in the desert. He assured that the absence of terrorist or security threats among the migrants and refugees mitigates some concerns. He clarified that no elements affiliated with ISIS or other groups have been detected among those fleeing.
The ongoing flow of refugees from war-torn neighbouring countries to Libya raises concerns that the country, already in a prolonged political crisis, may become a safe haven for these refugees. Libya, along with Tunisia and Algeria, faces an unprecedented influx of refugees and migrants from these regions, prompting questions about the potential implications of this phenomenon.
There are no precise statistics on the number of refugees fleeing war-torn countries like Sudan into Libya. With the war between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese army over a year old, the influx of refugees into Libya is increasing.
Experts and analysts have legitimate concerns about the number of migrants and refugees fleeing wars in Libya, especially from Sudan. The closest Libyan city to Sudan is Kufra, with a population of around 60,000, including 20,000 displaced Sudanese, making up a third of the city’s residents.
Experts point out that migrants from other African countries often lack proper health screening, leading to significant challenges regarding their medical examination before entering urban areas. International organisations like UNICEF have provided mobile clinics, making Libya a safe haven for them amid escalating wars in their home countries.
Libyan authorities face significant challenges in finding safe locations for these refugees, many of whom travel long distances to reach Tripoli and other cities. The problems Libya faces due to the influx of thousands of refugees are not limited to those from Sudan or Niger but also include migrants from Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, and Mali.
Experts emphasise the need for accurate statistics and the formulation of specific plans with neighbouring countries to return these migrants, to prevent a demographic shift in Libya.
