Wed Nov 19 16:37:14 UTC 2025: News Article: Sudan’s Civil War Fuels World’s Worst Displacement Crisis, Driving Refugees to Europe

Libya – The ongoing civil war in Sudan has created the world’s largest displacement crisis, forcing millions to flee their homes and driving a surge in refugees attempting perilous journeys to Europe. Last week’s tragic drowning of 42 migrants off the Libyan coast, including at least 29 Sudanese refugees, highlights the desperate situation.

Since the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in April 2023, nearly 13 million people have been uprooted, with over 4 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Chad, Egypt, and Libya. The UNHCR reports over 86,000 Sudanese registered as asylum seekers or refugees in Libya alone.

The number of Sudanese seeking asylum in Europe has also seen a dramatic increase. The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) registered nearly 10,000 applications from Sudanese nationals between April 2023 and January 2024, almost double the previous year.

Many face significant challenges upon reaching Europe, including criminalization under anti-smuggling laws for steering overcrowded boats, despite often being exploited by smugglers. In Greece, over 200 Sudanese minors and young adults face smuggling charges, some with lengthy prison sentences.

The RSF, a paramilitary group with roots in the Janjaweed militias accused of atrocities in Darfur, has been implicated in war crimes and crimes against humanity. The EU’s past efforts to manage migration in the region through the “Khartoum Process” have faced scrutiny, with allegations that funds may have indirectly benefited the RSF. The EU has denied directly funding the RSF and suspended migration cooperation following the killing of pro-democracy protesters in Khartoum in 2019.

As the conflict continues, the number of Sudanese refugees risking their lives to reach Europe is expected to rise, highlighting the urgent need for international solutions to address the displacement crisis and protect vulnerable populations.

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