On Sunday, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $3.25 million in emergency aid to support Sudanese refugees who have fled to Libya.
The funds will be channeled through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to address the urgent needs of thousands of Sudanese who have crossed into Libya since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan.
The crisis, which began in April 2023, has forced over 99,000 Sudanese to seek refuge in Libya, with the UN registering 28,000 refugees through its High Commissioner for Refugees.
WFP reports that southeastern Libya, particularly Al Kufra, has experienced the largest influx of refugees due to its proximity to the Sudanese border. This sudden arrival has put immense pressure on local resources, leading to severe shortages of food, water, and healthcare in the region. Although some refugees have managed to reach cities further north, such as Ajdabiya, Benghazi, and Tripoli, the strain on infrastructure and humanitarian resources remains high, especially in Al Kufra.
“The situation for Sudanese refugees in Libya is dire,” said Mohamed El-Sheikh, WFP’s Country Representative for Libya. “These families have escaped unimaginable violence, only to face extreme food shortages here. USAID’s support is critical in helping us meet their basic needs and provide them with a sense of stability.”
Thanks to this contribution, WFP will deliver over 1,800 metric tons of food between July and December 2024. The aid package includes essential food items, fortified date bars, and specialized nutritional products tailored for vulnerable groups, including children under five, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
Libya has struggled to manage the rising number of refugees and migrants arriving from Sudan, adding pressure to an already fragile infrastructure.
The country hosts over 761,000 migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees from various countries, making it a major transit point in the region. As Sudan’s conflict continues, Libya has become a critical destination for displaced Sudanese families seeking safety from escalating violence and instability in their homeland.
