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The United Nations’ top official in divided Libya Abdoulaye Bathily called for a unified mechanism for the reconstruction of the coastal city of Derna which was devastated by floods last month, causing large-scale loss of lives and property
The United Nations’ top official in divided Libya Abdoulaye Bathily called for a unified mechanism for the reconstruction of the coastal city of Derna which was devastated by floods last month, causing large-scale loss of lives and property.
Abdoulaye Bathily said a mechanism was required amid unilateral and competing initiatives by Libyan actors and institutions on the reconstruction of the Mediterranean city of Derna and other flood-hit areas.
Devastating rainfall and floods as a sequel of the Mediterranean Storm Daniel, hit parts of eastern Libya last month. The floods breached two depleted dams outside Derna on Sep. 11, causing massive waters that washed away residential buildings to the sea and left as much as one-third of Derna’s housing and infrastructure damaged. The estimated death tolls range from more than 4,000 to over 11,000.
The bodies of many of the people killed still are under rubble or floating in the Mediterranean Sea. Bathily called for a unified national mechanism to effectively and efficiently take forward the reconstruction efforts in the flood-affected areas. He also urged Libyan rival authorities and their international partners to facilitate the establishment of a unified mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability. Following the disaster, many in and outside Libya called for an international investigation, reflecting the deep public mistrust in state institutions. The two dams had not been maintained for decades despite repeated warnings that they were depleted.
Bathily’s call for a unified mechanism is supported by the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, and Italy. The five governments said in a joint statement that they strongly support a proposal to deliver transparent and accountable relief and response to the reconstruction needs in the wake of the flood disaster.
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Libya has an enviable track record of divisive politics. The country’s east and south have been under the control of Gen. Khalifa Hifter. He has a self-styled Libyan National Army, which is allied with a parliament-confirmed government. A rival administration is based in the capital, Tripoli, and enjoys the support of most of the international community.
