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UNHCR Ramps Up Emergency Aid in Al-Kufra, as Sudanese Refugees Surge

Written by Amira Cherni on . Posted in News. No Comments on UNHCR Ramps Up Emergency Aid in Al-Kufra, as Sudanese Refugees Surge

In response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has significantly expanded its emergency operations in Al-Kufra, Libya, where a growing number of Sudanese refugees are seeking refuge. Since the conflict began, approximately 97,000 Sudanese refugees have crossed into Libya, with around 350 new arrivals being recorded daily in the already overburdened region.

Al-Kufra, located in southeastern Libya, has become a focal point for the influx of refugees escaping the violence in Sudan. The situation on the ground is dire, with many refugees living in makeshift tents on the outskirts of the town. Recent flooding has further strained local resources, forcing some refugees to take shelter in schools and exacerbating the already critical need for water, sanitation, and adequate shelter.

UNHCR has raised alarms about the heightened risks faced by the most vulnerable refugees, particularly women, children, and those with specific needs. The agency has highlighted the dangers of malnutrition, disease, and violence, which are being exacerbated by the harsh living conditions and lack of access to basic services.

In response to this growing crisis, UNHCR, in collaboration with its partners and with the support of Libyan authorities, has intensified its emergency aid efforts in the region. This has enabled the delivery of crucial supplies and services to those in need. To date, UNHCR has reached over 8,000 refugees in Alkufra with essential items such as blankets, mattresses, tarpaulins, and hygiene supplies. Additionally, Alkufra General Hospital has been bolstered with medical supplies, including medicines, hospital beds, wheelchairs, and prenatal care tools, to better serve the influx of refugees.

“Women and children are particularly vulnerable in this crisis, and their safety and well-being must be prioritized,” said Aseer Al Madaien, UNHCR Chief of Mission in Libya. “We are calling on the international community to stand with Sudanese refugees and support the response efforts that are so desperately needed.”

This emergency response is part of a broader regional strategy under the 2024 Regional Refugee Response Plan for Sudan, which aims to assist both Sudanese refugees and Libyan host communities. UNHCR, along with other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, is working to provide critical assistance, but the agency has emphasized the urgent need for an additional US$48 million to meet the escalating demands for food, healthcare, clean water, and temporary shelter.

As the refugee crisis continues to escalate, UNHCR is committed to delivering life-saving assistance and working closely with local and international partners to address the pressing needs of those affected by the conflict in Sudan. The agency continues to appeal to the international community for support in addressing this growing humanitarian emergency in Libya.

Adapted from ReliefWeb

Libya’s Oilfields Shut Down Amid Central Bank Dispute, Escalating Political Tensions

Written by Amira Cherni on . Posted in News. No Comments on Libya’s Oilfields Shut Down Amid Central Bank Dispute, Escalating Political Tensions

In a dramatic escalation of Libya’s ongoing political strife, the eastern-based government, led by Prime Minister Osama Hammad, has announced the closure of all oilfields under its control. This move, Reuters reported on August 26, 2024, is part of an intense power struggle over the leadership of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL), further threatening the fragile peace in the war-torn country.

The shutdown, declared by the unrecognized eastern administration, affects nearly all of Libya’s oil production, which is concentrated in the eastern region. Waha Oil Company, a subsidiary of the National Oil Corporation (NOC), has already begun reducing output, with warnings that Libya’s overall production could come to a complete halt if the situation continues. Another NOC subsidiary, Sirte Oil Company, has also announced cuts in production, calling on authorities to intervene to maintain output levels.

This decision follows days of heightened tensions between Libya’s two rival governments. The central issue revolves around the contested leadership of the CBL, with factions from both the eastern and western governments attempting to control the country’s vital financial institution. The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, has condemned the shutdown of oilfields, describing it as an unjustifiable action based on “flimsy pretexts.”

According to Reuters, the dispute intensified when the Presidential Council in Tripoli attempted to replace the CBL head, Seddiq Al-Kabeer, a move that was met with resistance from armed factions aligned with both administrations. The appointment of Mohamed Al-shukri as the new governor by the Tripoli government was ultimately rejected by Alshukri himself, who cited concerns about potential bloodshed.

The eastern government’s decision to close the oilfields has significant implications not only for Libya but also for global oil markets. Analysts predict that the disruption in Libyan oil exports could drive Brent crude prices back to the mid-$80s per barrel. The closure adds to the volatility in the global energy market, which has seen fluctuations in recent weeks.

Libya’s oil sector, which provides the majority of the country’s revenue, has long been a focal point of contention between its rival governments. The CBL, as the sole internationally recognized depository for oil revenues, plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. However, the ongoing conflict over its leadership threatens to destabilize this critical sector further.

The situation remains fluid, with no clear resolution in sight. The closure of the oilfields could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Libya, where the ongoing conflict has already led to severe economic and social challenges. As the country marks more than a decade of instability since the 2011 NATO-backed overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, the current crisis underscores the deep divisions that continue to plague Libya’s path to peace and prosperity.

Central Bank Confirms Inability to Disburse August Salaries and Open Letters of Credit

Written by Amira Cherni on . Posted in News. No Comments on Central Bank Confirms Inability to Disburse August Salaries and Open Letters of Credit

The Central Bank of Libya confirmed in a statement that its building has been stormed for the second day, aiming to implement an illegal decision issued by the Presidential Council regarding the change in the bank’s management. This situation jeopardizes the bank, its assets, accounts, external relations, and reputation, in addition to disrupting its operations and preventing it from disbursing August salaries and opening letters of credit and personal transfers.

The Central Bank praised the people across Libya for standing united against these illegal practices and repelling this attack, which will negatively impact the overall situation in Libya politically, economically, socially, and financially.

The liquidity team reveals that the tenth shipment has arrived at Benina Benghazi Airport, with a value of 60 million

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The liquidity team of the Central Bank of Libya revealed exclusively that the tenth shipment of liquidity, worth 60 million dinars, arrived at Benina Airport in Benghazi, to be distributed to bank branches in the eastern region, bringing the total shipments sent since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan to 800 million dinars.

The liquidity team is working to send the rest of the shipments before the middle of Ramadan, within the framework of the Central Bank of Libya’s plan to provide liquidity in all branches of commercial banks in all regions of Libya and in the framework of coordination between the Central Bank of Libya, Tripoli and Benghazi.

Adapted from Sada Website