Egypt Crackdown Drives 25,000 Sudanese Refugees Through Libya Amid Regional Conflict

Sudanese refugees, fleeing civil war and economic hardship, are increasingly bypassing Egypt due to a crackdown on migrants and heading towards Libya despite the dangers, including detention and abuse by Libyan militias. This shift has led to a significant rise in Sudanese arrivals in Europe, with a 134% increase in early 2025 compared to the previous year, even as overall migration from North Africa declines. Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in the region as Sudan accused Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar’s forces of attacking border posts, marking the first direct accusation of Libyan involvement in Sudan's ongoing conflict, which also involves complex alliances including Egypt's dual support for Haftar and Sudan’s army. The brutal conflict in Sudan, driven by ideological divides and the growing influence of Islamist militias allied with Iran and extremist groups, obstructs peace efforts despite international sanctions on Sudanese military leaders for atrocities. The outcome of Sudan’s internal conflict has broad implications for East African stability amid fears of empowering jihadist factions. These developments underscore the intertwined humanitarian crisis and geopolitical tensions affecting Sudan, its neighbors, and migration flows towards Europe.