Days after the disaster, parts of Derna are still underwater, and thousands of bodies are decomposing in the streets. The incompetence of those in charge, combined with the relentless conflicts and disregard for infrastructure, has exacerbated the situation. The neglect and decay of the dams, built decades ago, were warned about last year, but no action was taken.
The instability in Libya and the division between the governments in the east and west have further contributed to the catastrophe. The country has been plagued by intermittent fighting, the proliferation of militias, and a lack of security. Outside actors also played a significant role, with NATO’s intervention in 2011 leading to the current state of affairs. Countries such as Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, Russia, and France supported different factions in the conflict, prioritizing their own interests over the well-being of the Libyan people.
The United States, in particular, failed to take responsibility. Former president Donald Trump refused to acknowledge any future American responsibility for Libya and regarded the toppling of Gaddafi with indifference. The focus shifted away from Libya to other conflicts, leaving the country in chaos. The international community now has an opportunity to offer aid and support to Libya, but skepticism remains among the Libyan people, who feel abandoned by foreign governments and fear that aid may be misused by political players.
Libya’s catastrophe underscores the need for a reset and a renewed effort to engage directly with the Libyan people. The European Union and the United States have pledged aid and humanitarian assistance, but trust and accountability must be established to ensure that the support reaches those who need it most. The international community must learn from its past mistakes and work towards a more stable and secure Libya.
