Eleven Sudanese Migrants Killed in Desert Car Crash in Libya

At least 11 Sudanese migrants were killed in a car crash in Libya’s desert, amidst ongoing violence and conflict in Sudan. This tragedy reflects the peril faced by migrants trying to escape war and poverty. Libya has become a central transit route for many fleeing the turmoil, with stark conditions and dangerous traffickers prevalent.

At least 11 migrants from Sudan lost their lives in a car accident in the Libyan desert, according to official reports. This incident illustrates the ongoing dangers faced by people fleeing conflict and poverty in their home country. The crash occurred early on Friday when the vehicle carrying the migrants collided with a truck approximately 90 kilometers north of Kufra, as stated by the local Ambulance and Emergency Service.

The fatalities included three women, two children, and the vehicle’s Libyan driver, as confirmed by the service’s director, Ibrahim Abu al-Hassan, in a statement to The Associated Press. Additionally, a 65-year-old man and his 10-year-old son sustained injuries during the tragic event. This incident marks yet another grim event in a series of mishaps affecting Sudanese migrants traversing the perilous Libyan desert.

Earlier in the month, seven other Sudanese individuals were discovered deceased after their vehicle broke down in the same desert region. The stranded vehicle, which had 34 migrants on board, failed on a trafficker’s route between Chad and Libya, leaving them stuck in the unforgiving environment for several days.

Since the fall of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, which followed a NATO-backed uprising, Libya has been ensnared in chaos. The nation now serves as a primary transit point for migrants from Africa and the Middle East who are attempting to reach Europe. Its extensive Mediterranean coastline and borders with six countries further contribute to this harsh reality.

Human traffickers have taken advantage of the prolonged instability in Libya, operating across borders with nations such as Chad, Niger, Sudan, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia. The situation has worsened dramatically since April 2023, when escalating tensions between the Sudanese military and the powerful paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into widespread violence.

This conflict has been devastating, transforming into a full-blown civil war that has claimed thousands of lives, uprooted over 14 million people, and even led portions of the country to face famine-like conditions. The ongoing violence continues to drive Sudanese citizens toward perilous routes as they seek safety and a better life in other countries, underscoring the urgent need for solutions to this recurring crisis.

The recent car crash in Libya, resulting in the deaths of 11 Sudanese migrants, underscores the ongoing peril facing those fleeing conflicts back home. With Libya becoming a significant transit point for such migrants, the situation is growing increasingly dire due to rampant human trafficking and instability. Amid the violence in Sudan, many are taking dangerous journeys in search of safety and stability, highlighting the need for urgent action and awareness regarding their plight.

Original Source: www.euronews.com