Libya emerges as dangerous crossroads for Sudanese refugees

Libya has become one of the critical and dangerous crossroads which Sudanese refugees must use to flee the civil war. Thousands are risking their health and safety on treacherous routes in the aim of a safe passage to Europe.

According to Reuters, since the Sudanese civil war broke out in April 2023, over 4 million Sudanese have been displaced, with Libya becoming the key access point to escape.

Libyan migration authorities report that somewhere between 20,000 and 25,000 Sudanese have crossed into the country via Egypt, with an average of 200 people making the crossing every week.

The seriousness of this crossing poses an immense risk. Refugees face serious threats such as detention, abuse by local authorities and militias, alongside dangerous living conditions.

Yet Libya remains the only option for many after neighbouring countries have created challenges for migrants, such as Egypt.

The refugee crisis has transformed Libya into a critical transit point in the broader Mediterranean migration route. From January to May 2025, the number of Sudanese nationals attempting to reach Europe has surged, with a 134% increase compared to the previous year.

The Eastern Mediterranean route has become particularly significant, with Sudanese refugees making up one of the top three nationalities attempting to cross into Europe.

European border agencies have noted the increasing importance of Libya as a migration route, as the country’s unstable political situation and porous borders have transformed it into a key transit zone for those seeking to move into Europe.

International organisations have expressed concerns regarding the treatment of migrants in Libya, with earlier UN investigations documenting severe human rights abuses in detention centres.

Despite these risks, the ongoing conflict in Sudan continues to drive thousands to undertake this perilous journey, seeking safety and opportunity in Europe.

The situation remains fluid, with summer months traditionally witnessing an increase in migration attempts across the Mediterranean, potentially leading to more Sudanese refugees traversing Libya’s difficult landscape.

Reuters/Maghrebi.org