A report issued by the Displacement Tracking Matrix program of the International Organization for Migration in Libya revealed 725,304 migrants from 44 different nationalities, dispersed across 100 Libyan municipalities. This figure represents the highest recorded since data collection began in 2016, with a slight increase of 1% compared to statistics from last December.
The report is based on data collected during March and May, highlighting the ongoing influx of Sudanese migrants into southern and eastern Libya. This migration is primarily driven by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, prompting many Sudanese to seek refuge in Libya, particularly in the Kufra region and other areas in Cyrenaica.
Despite the significant rise in migrant numbers, the report notes that the current figure remains significantly lower than pre-2011 estimates, which put the number of migrants at around 2.5 million. This disparity reflects the profound changes Libya has experienced over the past decade.
An increase in the number of migrants has also been observed in the eastern coastal areas and western Libya. This rise is attributed to migrants seeking better livelihood opportunities, especially in the construction, oil, trade, and agriculture sectors. Additionally, the relatively stable security situation in some municipalities has attracted more migrants to these areas.
The report underscores the pivotal role Libya plays in regional migration movements, pointing to the challenges and opportunities the country faces in managing this large and diverse migrant population.