Libya postpones Derna reconstruction talk amid International skepticism
By Adeyemi Adekunle
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering international confidence, Libyan eastern authorities have decided to delay the reconstruction conference for the flood-ravaged city of Derna, initially scheduled for October 10. This announcement comes amidst widespread global doubt concerning the event’s viability.
The new dates for the conference have been set for November 1-2, with the organizing committee citing the need for additional time to facilitate the submission of well-considered studies and projects that will underpin the ambitious reconstruction effort.
Derna, a coastal city in Libya, was struck by a devastating flash flood on September 10, causing extensive damage and claiming numerous lives. In response to the catastrophe, Libya’s eastern administration extended an invitation to the international community to partake in the conference, initially intended to provide a platform for discussions and collaboration on the city’s recovery.
To further emphasize their commitment to this endeavor, authorities have now disclosed that the postponed conference will be held not only in Derna but also in the eastern city of Benghazi. This dual-location approach seeks to maximize participation and resources in the reconstruction process.
Libya has grappled with a tumultuous political landscape since the NATO-backed uprising that led to the fall of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. The country remains deeply divided, with a recognized administration in Tripoli, in the west, and a separate one in the east, backed by military leader Khalifa Haftar.
The United States has urged Libyan factions to transcend their political differences and formulate a unified framework to channel aid toward the stricken eastern towns. US Special Envoy Richard Norland emphasized the need for a collective approach, calling for swift action that represents the interests of the Libyan people.
Despite nationwide solidarity following the devastating flood, there has been a notable absence of support from the Tripoli-based government led by interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah for the proposed conference.
Jalel Harchaoui, an expert on Libya at the Royal United Services Institute, commented on the situation, characterizing the eastern authorities’ setback as largely foreseeable. He suggested that cooperation with the Tripoli authorities may ultimately be inevitable for progress.
Earlier in the week, the eastern authorities unveiled a fund designated for the reconstruction of Derna and other areas afflicted by the flooding. While the financing mechanism remains unspecified, Libya’s House of Representatives, based in the east, has already allocated 10 million dinars ($2 million) for the reconstruction efforts.
Additionally, the eastern administration recently initiated compensation for residents affected by the floods, disbursing funds to the mayors of the affected towns.
During discussions with the European Commission, UN envoy Abdoulaye Bathily underscored the necessity of rigorous oversight for funds directed toward Libya. He called for a collaborative assessment of the reconstruction needs in the storm-affected regions to ensure the utmost accountability in the allocation of resources.
As per the latest figures released by the eastern authorities, the disaster has claimed the lives of at least 3,893 people, while international aid organizations express concerns that the actual number of missing individuals could exceed 10,000.
A Nigerian trained investigative journalist, who cover various news beats in Nigeria.
