Sudanese refugees feeing war found dead in Libyan desert
3 min read
Seven Sudanese migrants found dead in Libyan desert after 11 days stranded without food or water.
At least seven Sudanese migrants fleeing war were found dead in the Libyan desert after being stranded for days when their vehicle broke down, according to a local emergency official. The tragedy occurred after a group of 34 Sudanese, including children, crossed into Libya from Chad using an isolated smuggling route known for its harsh and unforgiving conditions. Ebrahim Belhassan, director of the Kufra Ambulance and Emergency Services, confirmed that the group was trapped in the desert for 11 days without food or water before rescue teams were alerted to their presence.
The migrants were reportedly heading toward Libya’s urban centers or possibly aiming to reach Europe when their journey was abruptly halted. As their vehicle broke down on the barren route, the group faced extreme temperatures and lacked the basic necessities to survive. Belhassan described the survivors as severely dehydrated, emotionally distressed, and traumatized after watching several companions die in front of them. “The survivors were almost about to die,” he said. “They are severely dehydrated and exhibiting signs of distress and trauma, given that they’re seeing those around them dying and they know they could be next.”
Rescue teams managed to save 22 individuals, including five children, who have since been transported to Kufra in southeastern Libya for urgent medical attention. Despite these efforts, five others remain missing in the vast and desolate desert terrain. Belhassan expressed little hope for their survival, explaining that on foot in such a vast desert, the chances of endurance without supplies are minimal. A smuggler who stumbled upon the stranded group was the one who alerted the emergency crews, ultimately leading to the partial rescue.
The deadly incident underscores the dangerous routes that migrants and refugees are forced to take as they flee war, violence, and poverty. Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating civil conflict since April 2023, resulting in one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Millions have been displaced, with many seeking refuge across borders in neighboring countries like Chad and Libya. Once in Libya, migrants often face additional threats such as exploitation, human trafficking, and abuse at the hands of smugglers and militia groups operating in the region.
Libya’s strategic position as a transit hub has made it a focal point for migration from Africa and the Middle East. The country shares borders with six nations and has a long Mediterranean coastline, making it a popular—though perilous—departure point for migrants hoping to reach Europe. Many undertake the journey with the help of smugglers who often abandon or exploit them en route. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), approximately 787,000 migrants and refugees of various nationalities are currently living in Libya.
In recent years, the Kufra Ambulance and Emergency Services have frequently responded to such emergencies. Belhassan noted that in the past year alone, his teams attended to over 260 Sudanese migrants found stranded in the desert. Many had been abandoned by smugglers or had become lost in the harsh environment. While some were rescued in time, others, like the victims in this case, did not survive the treacherous journey. The repeated nature of these incidents has raised alarms among humanitarian organizations and prompted renewed calls for regional cooperation to address the root causes of migration and improve rescue and support systems.
This tragic episode highlights the ongoing dangers faced by vulnerable populations on the move and the urgent need for safe migration pathways and humanitarian aid. As conflict and instability continue to uproot lives across the continent, more families will be forced into similarly desperate situations. Until structural and political solutions are implemented, the deserts between Chad and Libya may continue to claim lives of those in search of safety and a better future.
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