Eastern Libya Government Orders Journalists Out of Derna After Flood Protests

Libya’s eastern government has instructed journalists to leave Derna, a city in northern Libya, following protests against the authorities a week after a devastating flood killed thousands of residents. The decision was made after hundreds of people gathered outside the Sahaba mosque, chanting slogans and sitting on its gold-domed roof. Later, a crowd set fire to the house of Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi, the city’s mayor at the time of the disaster.

The protesters blame the authorities for the destruction, which washed away most of the city center. At least 4,000 people have been confirmed dead, with another 4,300 missing. Nearly 40,000 have been left homeless, according to the International Organisation for Migration.

Residents are demanding an independent inquiry into what went wrong and for the city to be rebuilt under international supervision. This is a significant request, as it would ensure transparency and accountability in the rebuilding process.

The eastern government has claimed that the journalists are impeding rescue work, citing health reasons and the fear of an epidemic. However, the Tripoli-based National Centre of Disease Control has denied this claim. Instead, observers believe the government is trying to silence the media and prevent reports of government negligence from being broadcast.

The flood that destroyed Derna was caused by the failure of two dams in the hills outside the city, which swept away most of the city center. Residents are outraged that the dams were not maintained properly, allowing this disaster to occur.

The government has suspended Derna’s mayor, Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi, and referred the members of the city’s municipal council to investigation. Protesters are demanding the resignation of the head of the eastern-based Libyan parliament, Aguila Saleh, and for the government to take responsibility for the disaster.

Meanwhile, residents of Derna are still searching for bodies in the rubble, with many left homeless and without access to basic necessities. The city remains a scene of devastation, with mud and debris covering much of the city center. It is clear that the authorities failed to prevent this disaster, and now protesters are demanding justice and accountability.

In the midst of this crisis, Libya remains a failed state, with no government exercising nationwide authority since the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country has been plagued by political and social instability, with various factions vying for power. The recent flood in Derna has only highlighted the need for a stable government and a functioning infrastructure, as well as accountability for those in power.