Abdul Rahman Aqoub, Mayor of Libyan city of Kufra, emphasised the overwhelming number of Sudanese refugees, exceeding the town’s capacity.
Aqoub noted that the UN humanitarian coordinator visited Kufra last Thursday. During her visit, discussions with organisations and their leaders highlighted the urgent need for increased support in the region.
Aqoub stated that the health condition of the Sudanese displaced people is relatively stable, but their living conditions are dire.
He mentioned, “Sanitation and sewage conditions are catastrophic. Visits were made, and conversations held with the displaced, but so far, only promises have been made with no implementation in sight.”
“The environmental situation is particularly bad, and we blame the state for this. The state must provide support. We don’t need food; mattresses and blankets are available, but as a municipality, we suffer from garbage accumulation,” he added.
He pointed out the inadequacies of the services and sewage companies, noting over 53 sites with sewage ponds in farms. Furthermore, Kufra faces almost daily power outages due to lack of support from the electricity company.
Aqoub also mentioned the outdated ambulance, the only one in Kufra, dating back to before 2011. He warned of an impending large influx of refugees from Sudan, predicting daily arrivals of up to 3,000 people once temperatures drop.
“A health monitoring committee from the Ministry of Health tracked the displaced, recording over 53,000 people in Kufra, up from 40,000 two months ago. The latest statistics show 70,000 people in Kufra over the past two days,” he said.
The capacity for issuing health certificates has decreased from 1,500 to 500 due to resource shortages, yet 49,000 certificates were issued amidst the refugee influx.
Aqoub clarified that the displaced are considered internally displaced persons, not refugees, and procedures are simplified to the maximum. Those without official documents are still provided with a health certificate and an ID card by a committee, allowing them to move north without restrictions.
