The World Food Programme (WFP) in Libya revealed that it provided assistance to 64,835 people in the country during May, distributing 5 tons of food supplies. In its report, the WFP stated that $1.43 million in cash transfers were distributed, noting funding requirements of $15.8 million for a six-month period. The program also confirmed the continued provision of assistance to Sudanese refugees, highlighting that Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers have continued to arrive in Libya following the outbreak of conflict in Sudan.
The total number registered with the UNHCR reached 40,081 by the end of May 2024. The WFP launched an appeal for a joint response plan for Sudanese refugees in Libya, seeking $43.8 million, including $3.9 million for the WFP to provide unconditional food assistance to approximately 55,000 Sudanese refugees facing food insecurity.
Libya’s food security situation in 2024 remains challenging due to a combination of factors, including heavy reliance on food imports and the ongoing impact of political instability and conflict. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), Libya relies on imports for up to 90% of its cereal consumption needs, with recent shifts in import sources due to the war in Ukraine. Despite this, the country produced an estimated 209,000 tonnes of cereals in 2023, close to average levels.
Political instability and high crude oil prices have significantly affected Libya’s economy. The economy saw a contraction in 2022, despite some recovery in oil production driven by improved security conditions and elevated global oil prices. However, the humanitarian needs remain high, particularly in the wake of recent floods in the eastern part of the country.
