Libya’s south-eastern Al-Kufra municipality continues to face significant pressure due to the steady influx of Sudanese refugees crossing the border daily. Mayor Abdelrahman Aqoub stated that approximately 500 Sudanese nationals are arriving each day, challenging the narrative that repatriation to Sudan is currently viable.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Aqoub highlighted the difficulty in accurately counting the incoming refugees, due to the vast and porous border between Libya and Sudan. He explained that many Sudanese arrivals travel onwards from Al-Kufra to cities in western Libya such as Tripoli, or to eastern areas including Benghazi.
“This ongoing migration is placing tremendous strain on our municipality,” Aqoub said, citing limited resources and a sharp decrease in international aid, particularly since the start of 2024. He urged humanitarian agencies to step up support to manage the growing needs.
Ismail Al-Areeda, head of the Emergency Room at the Ministry of Health in the Libyan government, reported that over 180,000 health certificates have been issued to Sudanese nationals in Al-Kufra since the beginning of the year—proof of the unrelenting flow of refugees.
Al-Areeda warned that the increasing numbers are overwhelming local health institutions. With only six medical facilities in Al-Kufra, including one dedicated to women, the healthcare system is under severe strain. He cited shortages in essential medicines, diagnostic equipment, and support staff, adding that the pressure on doctors and medical teams is mounting daily.
According to the UNHCR, Libya currently hosts nearly 200,000 Sudanese refugees fleeing the conflict in their country, with around 65,000 residing in Al-Kufra alone—equal to the Libyan population of the city.
