World Food Programme Supports Sudanese Refugees in Libya with Food Aid

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The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced the provision of over 1,807 metric tons of food for Sudanese refugees in Libya.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the WFP noted that this quantity of food would cover the needs of refugees in Libya until the end of the year, thanks to a 3.25 million donation from the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. This contribution is intended to support the urgent needs of those displaced by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

The aid includes food baskets, dates, and specialized nutritious foods for vulnerable groups, including children under five, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Sudanese refugees in Libya are facing challenging conditions. Mohammed Elsheikh, WFP Representative and Country Director in Libya, said, “The situation for Sudanese refugees in Libya is dire.”

He added, “These families have fled unimaginable violence and hardships, only to face severe food shortages. This contribution from USAID is crucial for our efforts to meet their basic needs and help restore stability.”

The statement further explained that over 99,000 Sudanese refugees have arrived in Libya since the conflict began in April 2023, with 28,000 registered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This influx has placed immense pressure on local infrastructure and resources, leading to severe shortages of food, water, and medical services. While refugees have recently started arriving in Ajdabiya, Benghazi, and Tripoli, Kufra in eastern Libya has witnessed the largest influx due to its proximity to the Sudanese border.