Libya's Fragile Response to Disaster: A Reflection of its Political Divides.
2023-09-21272 view
The recent catastrophic floods in Libya have laid bare the profound repercussions of years of political upheaval and division the nation has faced since Muammar Gaddafi's fall in 2011. This unparalleled natural disaster in Libya's annals underscores not only the challenges that marked underdevelopment during the Gaddafi era but also how a divided political landscape complicates an effective crisis response.
One of the most prominent issues that prevented the anticipation of and effective response to the disaster seems to be the existence of two weak, competing governments since 2014, dividing Libya between two administrations, each with its own prime minister and international backers. In Tripoli, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah leads the internationally recognized government, while in Benghazi, Prime Minister Osama Hamad governs the eastern administration, supported by military commander Khalifa Haftar. Besides, the weakness in sovereignty and centralization of each of the two governments is evident, manifested by the recurring clashes between factions affiliated with each from time to time.
The rivalry between these two governments, coupled with the influence of their international backers, has resulted in a deeply divided political landscape. While both governments have pledged assistance in flood relief efforts, indications suggest a lack of effective collaboration between them. This absence of unity has hindered the efficient allocation of resources and coordination of rescue operations, negatively impacting affected areas, such as the devastated city of Derna.
Despite a decrease in tensions between regional backers supporting each side, such as Egypt and Turkey, peace mediation efforts have not succeeded in bridging the gap between the two governments. Support from regional and global powers for the various factions has only deepened the political divide, further complicating the coordination of a unified response to the crisis.
This disaster occurs amidst escalating unrest and discontent within Libya; widespread protests have erupted following the revelation of a secret meeting between the Libyan Foreign Minister and her Israeli counterpart. Additionally, the intermittent fighting between warring militias in the capital, Tripoli, has highlighted the ongoing influence of armed groups in Libya’s internal affairs.
The tumultuous landscape of Libya, riddled with instability, has inadvertently opened the gates for militias and human traffickers to exploit the vulnerable. This opportunism has intensified the migration quagmire, casting Libya as the prime conduit for souls desperate to find solace in the embrace of Europe.
Derna, with its streets and memories drenched by the floods, exemplifies the neglect that many Libyan corners have felt since the Gaddafi era came to a tumultuous end. As the present unfolds, a shadow of mistrust looms large between the weary eyes of Derna's residents and the authorities aligned with General Haftar, adding yet another layer of complexity to the tapestry of challenges faced in disaster response.
In the vast tapestry of Libya's unfolding narrative, the chilling stagnation of its political arena casts a looming shadow. The fragile strands of stability are fraying, and the once vibrant hue of public trust in prevailing authorities is now fading. Amidst this backdrop, the recent disaster might not just be a fleeting blemish but a stark reminder of a governance structure teetering on the brink.
While this catastrophe alone is momentous, its ripples merge with other currents, both internal and external. On one hand, there's the internal tempest—echoes of discontent, aspirations for change, and the palpable pulse of a nation yearning for direction. On the other, the global forces that orbit Libya—its pivotal proximity to Europe, the swelling storms of African unrest and migration, and the chess game of regional and global players seeking control over prized assets like Mediterranean gas—further convolute its destiny.
Yet, in this intricate dance of internal and external factors, a harmonious future where Libya stands united under one banner appears elusive, if not a distant dream.
