Sudanese in Libya subject to kidnapping for ransom

Sudanese in Libya subject to kidnapping for ransom

Sudanese nationals in Libya complain of being subject to kidnappings for ransom by armed gangs. Two were shot dead on Monday.

Callers told Radio Dabanga that Libyan criminal groups are exploiting the vulnerability of Sudanese people in the country. “They kidnap people at gunpoint, and then demand that the families pay ransom. They threaten to kill the abductees if the ransom is not paid.

In the latest incident in Libya on Monday, unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of Sudanese. One died on the spot and another died the next day of his wounds.

Callers also reported that ‘more than 1,000’ Sudanese nationals have been stranded on the border between Egypt and Libya for more than a month, waiting to return to Sudan. They called on the government to speed up their evacuation.

Refugees

Tens of thousands of Sudanese left their home country to find a livelihood in Libya. Khartoum reportedly did not respond to the request of thousands of Sudanese who called for support with their repatriation as they got stuck between the warring parties. A number of Sudanese were killed in attacks.

Sudanese also travel to Libya to attempt to cross the Mediterranean in their quest for a better life. In March this year, more than 45 Darfuris died when the boat carrying them from Libya to Europe sank.