The European Union has allocated €3.5 million in humanitarian aid to support the southern Libyan city of Kufra, which has faced mounting pressure due to the continued influx of Sudanese refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan since April 2023.
In a statement released on its official website, the European Commission said the funds will help strengthen Libya’s humanitarian response and provide critical assistance to both refugees and host communities in one of the country’s most remote and vulnerable regions.
According to the Commission, the ongoing war in Sudan has displaced millions of people, with hundreds of thousands crossing into neighboring countries, including Libya. More than 350,000 Sudanese refugees are estimated to have entered Libya through its southern border, while local authorities in Kufra believe the real figure could be closer to one million.
Kufra, located roughly 240 kilometers from the Sudanese border, has become the first destination for most refugees arriving in Libya before some continue north toward the Mediterranean coast. Around 70,000 Sudanese are currently living in and around Kufra, making it one of the country’s largest refugee-hosting areas.
The influx has nearly doubled the city’s population, previously estimated at around 55,000, putting severe strain on essential infrastructure and services, including water supply, healthcare, and sanitation. Most refugees live in informal settlements that lack adequate housing, clean water, and employment opportunities.
The European Commission warned that limited resources and restricted humanitarian access have worsened conditions for both refugees and residents, increasing the risk of disease, food insecurity, and instability.
Since 2011, the EU has provided over €95 million in humanitarian assistance to Libya, focusing on health, water access, and protection of vulnerable communities.
