Sudanese Displacement Shifts to Libya as Kufra Becomes Major Refugee Hub
An estimated 40,000 to 60,000 individuals now reside in the southeastern Kufra province, living in encampments and towns roughly 250 kilometres from the Sudanese border.
Three years of sustained conflict between Sudan's regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have resulted in the displacement of more than 11 million people. In the wake of this internal crisis, a significant demographic shift has occurred in regional refugee hosting, with Libya now emerging as the largest destination for Sudanese asylum seekers, edging out Chad in recent assessments.
According to reporting by France 24 International, the influx has concentrated heavily in the southeastern Kufra province. Current estimates indicate that between 40,000 and 60,000 Sudanese refugees are currently residing in this region. These populations are situated in encampments or within towns located approximately 250 kilometres from the border with Sudan.
The fluid nature of the displacement crisis means that figures regarding host nation capacity and refugee totals can change rapidly. While Libya is currently identified as the primary host, the specific count for Kufra province remains an estimate rather than a verified census figure. Official confirmation from the UNHCR or the Libyan government is required to validate these population numbers against historical data.
The geographic positioning of these refugees presents a distinct logistical reality compared to other border regions. The settlement in Kufra is not immediately adjacent to the conflict zone but is located a considerable distance inland. This separation of approximately 250 kilometres from the Sudanese border suggests a complex migration pattern where refugees have traversed significant distances to reach safety within the Libyan interior.
Governance and policy responses in the region must now account for this new demographic reality. As the number of displaced persons in Libya grows, the strain on local infrastructure and humanitarian resources in the Kufra province will inevitably increase. The shift from Chad to Libya as the primary host country underscores the evolving dynamics of the broader African displacement crisis.
France 24 International continues to monitor the situation, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by those fleeing the war between the two Sudanese factions. The report by Lilia Blaise and Hamdi Tlili serves as a critical update on the shifting landscape of refugee flows in North Africa, emphasizing the need for sustained international attention to the humanitarian situation in Kufra.
