The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that approximately 313,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to Libya since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023. This marks a significant increase of over 56,000 compared to the previous month’s total of 256,000.
The UNHCR’s 2025 Regional Refugee Response Plan estimates that by the end of 2025, there will be 621,000 Sudanese refugees in need in Libya—an alarming 40% increase since November 2024, when the number stood at 446,000.
Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent appeal for $13.5 million in funding to continue delivering essential aid to displaced Sudanese in Libya. Without additional resources, the program warned it may be forced to scale back or halt its operations.
In April 2025 alone, WFP reached 58,456 Sudanese refugees in Libya, delivering 602 metric tons of food aid and distributing $64,650 in cash assistance to support vulnerable families.
To maintain operations from June through November 2025, the program urgently requires an additional $5 million.
WFP also provided nutritional support to 4,236 children under five and 1,989 pregnant and breastfeeding women through the distribution of 12.5 metric tons of specialized food supplements.
In support of host communities, WFP distributed over $64,000 via cash transfers to vulnerable Sudanese groups in Benghazi, Sabha, and Zawiya, amounting to 5,666 Libyan dinars per beneficiary.
The refugee influx continues to strain Libya’s humanitarian infrastructure, with both international organizations and local partners calling for immediate global assistance.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
