The Sudanese Embassy in Tripoli has expressed its deep appreciation to Libya and its people for hosting thousands of Sudanese citizens who fled to the country following the outbreak of war in Sudan.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the embassy thanked Libya for providing refuge to Sudanese nationals displaced by what it described as violations and war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The embassy stressed that Sudanese citizens currently living in Libya are keen to return voluntarily to their homeland and do not wish to be permanently resettled in Libya. It said this position applies to all Sudanese nationals in the country, including those registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The statement also praised the cooperation of the Government of National Unity in handling the voluntary return file. According to the embassy, the first phase of a voluntary repatriation programme was successfully completed before the Eid al-Adha holiday. Sudanese and Libyan authorities are now preparing to launch the second phase of the programme as soon as possible.
The embassy noted that Sudan is fully prepared to receive citizens returning voluntarily from Libya. It also confirmed its readiness to accept individuals who have been issued deportation orders by Libyan judicial authorities.
According to the statement, the voluntary return programme is supervised by a high-level committee affiliated with the Sudanese Council of Ministers and has already facilitated the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced people and refugees since the conflict began.
The embassy further said it continues to carry out its routine responsibilities in supporting the Sudanese community across Libya. It added that leaders of Sudanese community organisations in various Libyan municipalities remain in close contact and cooperation with local authorities to address issues affecting Sudanese residents.
Notably, Libyan rotesters shut down the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, on Thursday, voicing opposition to what they described as policies linked to irregular migration and rejecting any plans that could lead to the settlement of migrants inside Libya.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the agency’s headquarters, chanting slogans including “Libya for Libyans, No to Settlement” and raising red cards towards the organisation. Protesters called for the suspension of UNHCR activities and the closure of its offices in Libya.
The demonstration followed widespread discussion on social media regarding reports that some migrants had received residency-related documentation through international organisations. The reports fuelled concerns among many Libyans, who fear that temporary humanitarian arrangements could eventually lead to the long-term settlement of migrants in the country.
UNHCR has repeatedly denied the existence of any programme aimed at settling migrants in Libya, stressing that its role is limited to providing humanitarian assistance and protection to vulnerable individuals in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.
Despite those assurances, public concerns continue to grow. Many Libyans argue that the country is no longer serving solely as a transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe, but has increasingly become a destination for prolonged stays. The presence of migrant communities and informal markets in several cities has intensified the debate over migration management and national security.
In response to the developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Government of National Unity warned against what it described as rumours and inflammatory rhetoric surrounding migration issues. The ministry said the circulation of inaccurate information could have consequences that do not serve Libya’s national interests.
