The unfolding human tragedy in Libya has exacted a devastating toll, which should not be forgotten as events in Palestine take centre stage. Over 43,000 individuals were either displaced, deceased, or unaccounted for, following the catastrophic deluge unleashed by Storm Daniel, which wrought havoc by obliterating the region’s already poorly maintained dams, thereby inundating the coastal municipality of Derna, home to more than 150,000 residents.
This calamity has not only claimed lives but has also inflicted grievous harm upon critical infrastructure, including bridges, road networks, and even electricity grids. While international aid efforts were eventually mobilised, their effectiveness was hampered, not solely due to the destruction wrought by the storm but also by the ongoing political tumult within Libya. It is the nexus between conflict and entrenched political corruption that exacerbates Libya’s own dire humanitarian crisis.
On October 3rd, a significant development transpired within the Libyan political landscape. The Libyan parliament, known as the House of Representatives (which some elements of Libya’s complex political mosaic still recognise), passed a series of laws aimed at addressing the post-disaster scenario. These laws encompass the establishment of a new agency tasked with the monumental challenge of rebuilding the areas ravaged by the flood. Additionally, these legislative actions included the enactment of presidential and parliamentary election laws, mandating the conduct of “fair and inclusive” national elections within 240 days. The ultimate objective of these elections is claimed to be to forge a unified government, steering Libya towards political stability in the aftermath of recent catastrophic events.
Notably, the Speaker of the House of Representatives underscored that the approved laws do not exclude any eligible candidates, whether civilian or military, signaling a commitment to inclusivity, in a direct signal to General Khalifa Haftar and Saif Al Islam Gadhafi. Furthermore, it was emphasised that individuals who do not secure victory in the elections will revert to their previous positions, ensuring continuity and a measure of stability within the political framework. If so this could represent a significant stride towards political normalcy and post-disaster recovery for Libya. However, it is important to acknowledge that numerous challenges persist, and doubts linger despite these apparently positive developments.
Libya’s Divided Politics
Following the killing of Col. Moammar Gadhafi in 2011, Libya’s administrative landscape fragmented into two distinct factions: the Eastern government, under the command of General Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA), based in Benghazi, and the Western government and its associated factions, embodied by the quasi-legitimate Government of National Accord (GNA), headquartered in Tripoli. Note that the LNA, comprising a coalition of militias, is not the actual Libyan army. This schism has engendered a maelstrom of corruption and neglect that has ensnared the nation’s public services and vital infrastructure.
The LNA, actually allied to the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR), stands in opposition to the Tripoli-based GNA, which is often perceived as aligned with the High Council of State. These factions emerged following the facilitation of a “peace agreement” by the United Nations in 2015. Each coalition has established its own governance structures and appointed military leaders, yet each has grappled with internal fragmentation and discord. In 2018, the UN brokered a “ceasefire agreement” among the involved militia factions. Subsequently, the LNA garnered support from Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and France, solidifying its position as vying for control over Libya’s national resources, while the GNA retained the backing of Turkey, Qatar, and Italy.
That said, alliances shift. The West European states in particular are impacted by the migration crisis now that Libya has become a failed state. Italy for instance may play both sides of the table. Getting oil from the East whilst keeping historic ties with the West.
Growing Dissatisfaction
The disaster, caused by Storm Daniel, swiftly ignited the ire of Derna’s residents, a city under the jurisdiction of the Libyan National Army, precipitating another episode of political unrest. Citizens vociferously demanded accountability from the administration, in view of the fact that the authorities had disregarded early warnings from experts prior to the storm and had even imposed a curfew in the name of protecting citizens’ security. The municipal development and governance of the Eastern part of Libya has become increasingly militarised, strangling the local economy through militia control and rampant corruption (corruption that is not unique to the East however – those in government in the West by no means all have clean hands). Furthermore, the contemporary ineffectiveness of the government is evident in the sluggish and inadequate response to the flood. During the worst of the crisis, the administration in Derna cracked down on protesters, ordered some journalists to leave and cut off key internet links. It is patently clear that this disaster could have been averted were it not for the relentless pursuit of political control and territorial expansion by competing factions.
Both administrations have solicited international assistance for disaster relief. Yet, the competition for power is fierce. There is little possibility of coordinating these requests, either on a global or domestic scale, and ensuring the timely dispatch of aid. Presently, the ground rescue efforts are long over, but at the time they were bolstered by the international community, including UNICEF, Search and Rescue teams from Egypt and Tunisia, personnel from Turkey, and disaster responders from Italy and Spain. Regrettably, frontline reports indicate that General Haftar’s family’s autocratic grip on all facets of governance rendered Humanitarian Rescue and Disaster Relief operations profoundly ineffective.
Hope for a Better Libya
The Libyan authorities, both in the East and the West, must, even now, prioritise humanitarian aid and relief to the afflicted residents of Derna. It is equally essential to afford greater latitude to the international community and organisations facilitating the delivery of basic provisions, including food, water, medicine, and shelter.
People must not be allowed to forget the causes and consequences of the disaster. Fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and coexistence among the diverse segments of society is crucial, along with nurturing a sense of national identity and solidarity among all Libyans, transcending regional, tribal, or ideological affiliations. All are hoping the formation of a new unified government, will steer Libya towards political stability in the aftermath of this catastrophic event
Ultimately, addressing humanitarian crises collectively is a global responsibility that contributes to a better world.
