The eastern Libyan government was forced to postpone the reconstruction conference for the devastated city of Derna due to concerns over how funds would be spent and a lack of coordination with the western part of the country. The conference, originally set for October 10, was aimed at resurrecting the city following severe flooding on September 10 that ravaged a large portion of the town and left thousands dead, although no official death toll has been confirmed.
Prime Minister Osama Hamad of the eastern-based government announced the conference date, but it was met with criticism from foreign diplomats, including US Ambassador Richard Norland, who emphasized the need for a national effort rather than a solo endeavor by the eastern government. Norland said, “As focus on reconstruction increases, Libyans need to be assured public funds are used transparently, accountably, and that assistance goes to those in need.”
European powers and the UN special mission for Libya concurred, urging the Libyan authorities to establish an independent mechanism to oversee reconstruction in the east. The move comes as efforts to hold a national conference in Benghazi on October 10 falter, with many advocating for a joint, inclusive effort to ensure resources and funding are efficiently allocated.
The Libyan government’s reconstruction conference for Derna put on holdThe lack of coordination and accountability has led to concerns over the transparency of funds allocated for the reconstruction of the dams. The public prosecutor’s office has provisionally arrested 12 officials, including the former head of the water resources authority and the mayor of Derna, in connection with the disaster. The probe focuses on mismanagement of funds allocated for the reconstruction of the dams and why the work contracted to a Turkish firm was not pursued.
Libya, an oil-rich country, suffers from rampant corruption, particularly in construction contracts. The country’s oil revenues in the first eight months of 2023 amount to 59.8bn Libyan dinars (£10.2bn), according to the Central Bank of Libya. Derna has been under strict control since the floods, with checkpoints installed, international news organizations expelled, and dissidents arrested.
The eastern authorities have announced the creation of a fund for the reconstruction of Derna and other affected areas, but have yet to disclose how it will be financed. The administration has also begun distributing cheques to the mayors of the stricken towns as compensation for affected residents.
Humanitarian workers stress the urgent need for psychological counseling for traumatized residents. With the reconstruction conference postponed, Libyans are left to wonder when they will see meaningful progress towards rebuilding their city.