In the heart of the Libyan desert, the city of Kufra faces a severe test of resilience against the backdrop of escalating conflict in Sudan and the continuing influx of refugees. Concerns grow over the capacity of the city’s infrastructure and basic services to accommodate this new reality.
The Human Flow and the Uncertain Future International reports, including estimates by the International Medical Corps, suggest that nearly 160,000 Sudanese refugees could reach Libya by 2025. However, Abdullah Suleiman, spokesperson for the municipality of Kufra, emphasized in a press statement followed by “Libya News 24” that these numbers are not precisely quantifiable, and predicting future arrivals remains complex due to the political and military volatility in Sudan. The war could end, or its dynamics could shift, making any predictions about the scale of displacement uncertain.
Increased Refugee Numbers Strain Kufra’s Infrastructure The municipality urgently requires medical and logistical support, and calls for realistic and effective assistance from international organizations are growing. Kufra, with a population of about 60,000, was already grappling with developmental and service challenges before these were compounded by the burdens of migrants and refugees. According to Suleiman, the rising population means additional pressure on health, education, sewage, and electrical systems. The city was not designed to accommodate large numbers of newcomers, making any sudden population increase a double burden.
Health System Under Pressure One of the most significant challenges is the health sector, where Kufra’s hospitals suffer from a severe shortage of qualified doctors, medicines, and basic medical equipment. The city requires direct support from the Libyan government and international organizations to provide necessary medical devices and operational supplies, as well as to enhance the medical staff with specialized teams capable of handling emergencies.
Sanitation Crisis and Environmental Risks With the increase in refugee numbers, new challenges related to public sanitation and waste management have emerged. The city’s sanitation company struggles with a lack of workers and equipment, unable to keep up with the growing waste, particularly in areas where refugees reside, often in informal settlements on the outskirts of the city. Solving this problem requires more labor and specialized vehicles for waste collection to prevent an environmental and health crisis.
The Solution Begins with On-the-Ground Support Suleiman asserts that genuine support should not be limited to reports and estimates but should rely on field visits by supporting entities, whether governmental or international. Without witnessing the realities on the ground, proposed solutions will remain inadequate. He stresses that the municipality is ready to collaborate with any party willing to provide tangible support that makes a real difference.
Economic Burden and Rising Prices Besides the pressure on services, Kufra also faces a notable rise in the prices of basic goods, including vegetables, due to disrupted supply lines from Benghazi. While the average price of vegetables used to be around 3 dinars per kilogram, it has at times soared to 25 dinars, adding an additional burden on the residents. Although food shipments from the Price Balance Fund have arrived, the increased demand makes stabilizing the market challenging.
Relief Efforts Are Insufficient In response to this situation, the municipality has initiated food support programs, preparing over a thousand food baskets for distribution among Sudanese refugees and activating cooperative societies to alleviate the burden on citizens, especially during Ramadan. However, these efforts remain limited compared to the scale of the challenge and require sustained enhancement to ensure the continued provision of basic needs.
Kufra at a Crossroads Kufra, long a transit point between neighboring countries, now finds itself at the heart of a humanitarian crisis that demands an urgent response. Between limited resources and increasing arrivals, there is a clear need for a strategic vision that transcends temporary solutions and builds a comprehensive support system balancing the needs of both residents and refugees.
Call for Effective International Partnership In this complex scenario, the optimal solution is to establish genuine partnerships between the Libyan government, the international community, and relief organizations to ensure the provision of actual and tangible support. The issue is no longer just about numbers and statistics; it’s about the daily reality faced by the people of Kufra, requiring a swift response that prioritizes human needs.
In conclusion, Kufra stands at a crossroads, between withstanding these challenges or becoming a region overwhelmed by crises. The outcome depends on the level of response received and the seriousness of both local and international actors in finding real and sustainable solutions.
