Latest news with #NATO-backed
Euronews
14 hours ago
- Euronews
At least 11 Sudanese migrants killed in Libya desert car crash
Eleven Sudanese migrants have been killed in a car crash in the desert in Libya, authorities have said, the latest tragedy involving Sudanese people fleeing the civil war in their home country. The crash between the migrants' vehicle and a truck happened early on Friday, 90 kilometres north of the town of Kufra, the local Ambulance and Emergency Service said in a statement. The dead included three women and two children and the group's Libyan driver, the service's director Ibrahim Abu al-Hassan told The Associated Press. A 65-year-old man and his 10-year-old son were also wounded in the crash, he added. It was the latest deadly incident involving Sudanese migrants in the Libyan desert. Earlier this month, seven Sudanese nationals were found dead after their vehicle broke down in the desert. The vehicle broke down on a path used by traffickers between Chad and Libya, leaving 34 migrants on board stranded for several days in the desert. Libya was plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. It has become a main transit point for migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East and hoping to reach Europe. The country shares borders with six nations and has a long coastline along the Mediterranean. Human traffickers have benefited from more than a decade of instability, smuggling migrants across Libya's borders with six nations, including Chad, Niger, Sudan Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia. Thousands of Sudanese have fled to Libya since April 2023 after simmering tensions between the Sudanese military and the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) exploded into street fighting across the country. The conflict in Sudan has turned into a civil war that killed thousands people, displaced over 14 million, and pushed parts of the county into famine.
Libya Review
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya Joins UN Anti-Crime Meeting in Vienna
Libya joins UN meeting to boost international cooperation against organized crime, corruption, and money laundering Libya took part in the 16th session of the UN Working Group on Technical Assistance and International Cooperation, held in Vienna, Austria, from 26 to 30 May 2025, as part of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Libya was represented by Ibrahim Ali, Head of the Expert Committee for Reviewing the Convention and Director of the Office for Anti-Money Laundering and Asset Recovery. The meeting brought together experts from around the world to address a range of critical topics, including the criminalization of organized fraud, management of illicit proceeds, witness and victim protection, and monitoring the implementation of the convention. Delegates also explored ways to enhance international cooperation in tracking down criminal networks exploiting corruption. A particular focus was placed on the emerging threats of cybercrime and virtual currencies, anti-money laundering efforts, and the nexus between organized crime and terrorism. Participants shared best practices and technical solutions to confront these evolving challenges. The session also reviewed the technical assistance needs of state parties during the review process of the Convention and its Protocols. It issued key recommendations to the Conference of the Parties on how to support the treaty's implementation globally. Libya's active participation, led by Ibrahim Ali, reflects its commitment to engaging with the international community, fulfilling its obligations under international law, and intensifying efforts to combat organized crime, recover stolen assets, and uphold the rule of law. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: libyaMoney LaunderingunUnited NationsUNODCVienna
Libya Review
17 hours ago
- Health
- Libya Review
Benghazi University Hosts Free Screenings for Blood Pressure Day
Benghazi International University (BIU), in collaboration with Eva Pharma and its School of Nursing Sciences, along with the University Medical Center, hosted a public awareness event on Thursday to mark World Hypertension Day. The event aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure—often referred to as the 'silent killer'—and to promote preventive healthcare within the local community. Speaking at the event, University Dean Dr. Mohamed Saad emphasized the critical importance of the day, highlighting the prevalence and serious health risks posed by hypertension. 'This is one of the most widespread and dangerous chronic diseases, and it often goes undetected until it causes major harm. Raising awareness about prevention, healthy diets, regular physical activity, and consistent medical monitoring is essential,' he stated. Dr. Saad noted that the initiative reflects the university's ongoing commitment to community engagement and public health education. He added that the program brought together both academic and medical professionals to offer practical knowledge and services to the public. The event featured free blood pressure screenings, educational lectures, expert advice on nutrition and prevention, and informational pamphlets for students and visitors. This campaign is part of a broader effort by the university to support health literacy and community wellbeing in Benghazi and beyond. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
Libya Review
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
UNHCR Warns of Sharp Rise in Sudanese Refugees in Libya
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that approximately 313,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to Libya since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023. This marks a significant increase of over 56,000 compared to the previous month's total of 256,000. The UNHCR's 2025 Regional Refugee Response Plan estimates that by the end of 2025, there will be 621,000 Sudanese refugees in need in Libya—an alarming 40% increase since November 2024, when the number stood at 446,000. Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent appeal for $13.5 million in funding to continue delivering essential aid to displaced Sudanese in Libya. Without additional resources, the program warned it may be forced to scale back or halt its operations. In April 2025 alone, WFP reached 58,456 Sudanese refugees in Libya, delivering 602 metric tons of food aid and distributing $64,650 in cash assistance to support vulnerable families. To maintain operations from June through November 2025, the program urgently requires an additional $5 million. WFP also provided nutritional support to 4,236 children under five and 1,989 pregnant and breastfeeding women through the distribution of 12.5 metric tons of specialized food supplements. In support of host communities, WFP distributed over $64,000 via cash transfers to vulnerable Sudanese groups in Benghazi, Sabha, and Zawiya, amounting to 5,666 Libyan dinars per beneficiary. The refugee influx continues to strain Libya's humanitarian infrastructure, with both international organizations and local partners calling for immediate global assistance. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: libyasabhaSudanese RefugeesUNHCRWFP
19 hours ago
11 Sudanese migrants killed in a car crash in the Libya desert, authorities say
CAIRO -- Eleven Sudanese migrants and a Libyan driver were killed Friday in a car crash in the desert in Libya, authorities said, the latest tragedy involving Sudanese fleeing a civil war in their home country. The crash between the migrants' vehicle and a truck happened early Friday in the desert, 90 kilometers (56 miles) north of the Libyan town of Kufra, the town's Ambulance and Emergency Service said in a statement. The dead included three women and two children, the service's director Ibrahim Abu al-Hassan told The Associated Press. A 65-year-old man and his 10-year-old son were also wounded in the crash, he added. It was the latest deadly incident involving Sudanese migrants in the Libyan desert. Earlier this month, seven Sudanese were found dead after their vehicle broke down in the desert. The vehicle broke down in a path used by traffickers between Chad and Libya, leaving 34 migrants on board stranded for several days in the desert. Libya was plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. It has become a main transit point for migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East to seek better lives in Europe. The country shares borders with six nations and has a long coastline along the Mediterranean. Human traffickers have benefited from more than a decade of instability, smuggling migrants across Libya's borders with six nations, including Chad, Niger, Sudan Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia. Thousands of Sudanese have fled to Libya since April 2023 after simmering tensions between the Sudanese military and a powerful paramilitary group exploded into street fighting across the country.
