At least 11 Sudanese migrants were killed in a car crash in the Libyan desert, with others injured. Libya continues to be a key transit point for migrants fleeing violence, particularly from Sudan, where ongoing civil war and humanitarian crises force many to undertake dangerous journeys. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of migrant fatalities in the region.
A tragic accident in the Libyan desert has claimed the lives of at least 11 Sudanese migrants. This incident underscores the perilous journeys many undertake, fleeing the unrest in their home country. The collision occurred early on a Friday morning, about 90 kilometers north of Kufra, according to the local Ambulance and Emergency Service, which confirmed the grim news.
Among the deceased were three women, two children, and their Libyan driver, Ibrahim Abu al-Hassan, the service’s director, noted in his statement to the press. Additionally, a 65-year-old man and his 10-year-old son survived but sustained injuries in the crash. This unfortunate event is part of a worrying trend involving migrants from Sudan who are vulnerable in dangerous circumstances.
Earlier in the month, a similar incident took place when seven Sudanese nationals were discovered deceased after their vehicle broke down. This breakdown occurred in a region frequently traversed by traffickers, and 34 individuals were left stranded in the desert for several days.
The chaos in Libya has persisted since the NATO-backed uprising that resulted in the ouster and death of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Today, Libya remains a critical transit point for migrants fleeing violence and poverty throughout Africa and the Middle East, all with the hope of reaching Europe.
Strategically located, Libya shares borders with six countries and has a long Mediterranean coastline, making it a key pathway for those braving the treacherous journey. Unfortunately, human traffickers have thrived amidst the instability and unrest, smuggling individuals across the borders, including into Chad, Niger, Sudan, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Since the conflict erupted in Sudan in April 2023, many Sudanese have sought refuge in Libya. Tensions between the government forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated into street battles, resulting in a civil war that has caused thousands of deaths, displaced over 14 million people, and led to famine in several regions of the country. This increasingly dire situation highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region and the risks faced by those fleeing in desperation.
Overall, the recent deaths of Sudanese migrants in Libya point to the broader issues of conflict-driven migration and the dangers many face along the Mediterranean route. The ongoing instability in Sudan only exacerbates this, forcing more families into perilous journeys in search of safety and a better future. As Libya remains a hub for these migration flows, the exploitation by human traffickers poses significant risks to those trying to escape violence and poverty. The need for international support in addressing these circumstances has never been more urgent.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
