Massive Demonstrations Erupt as Devastating Floods Amplify Outrage against Libyan Authorities in Derna
Massive protests grip Derna as outraged residents call for immediate action against the authorities Devastated by the collapse of dams and ensuing floods, thousands have lost their lives The demand for change intensifies as locals unite in their struggle for justice and accountability
Protests in the eastern Libyan city of Derna have flared up as residents call for the ousting of current authorities. The anger is a response to the devastating collapse of two dams following heavy rain, resulting in entire neighborhoods being submerged in the Mediterranean Sea and causing thousands of fatalities.
Demonstrators expressed their frustrations towards officials, including Aguila Saleh, the speaker of the Libyan parliament based in the eastern region. A multitude of videos circulating on social media showcase protestors ascending the revered golden dome of the Sahaba Mosque, an iconic symbol in Derna. Amidst their chants denouncing the government, they harmoniously sing, "Oh my homeland... We will persist until our anguish dissipates."
A week has passed since the devastating flood, and while the search for survivors is gradually slowing down, the people of Derna now face new terrifying challenges, including the spread of waterborne diseases and the emergence of landmines that were displaced by the heavy rains.
In an effort to demand responsibility from leaders in the fragmented nation, Monday's protests marked the first significant demonstrations since the flood. Many believe that the dams could have been prevented from bursting, and are determined to hold those in power accountable.
Protesters called for the removal of Aguila Saleh, the speaker of the eastern-based Libyan parliament.
Hussam Ahmed/AFP/Getty Images
A protester comforted their friend who lost his family members in the floods.
Zohra Bensemra/Reuters
The exact extent of the catastrophe remains uncertain, as numerous individuals are still unaccounted for. Despite conflicting figures provided by officials, the United Nations has verified a minimum of 3,985 fatalities.
Subsequently, demonstrators ignited the residence belonging to Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi, the former mayor of Dernas during the flood, as reported by his office manager to Reuters.
Hichem Abu Chkiouat, an official of the eastern Libyan government, announced the suspension of Gaithi from his position. Reuters was unable to reach Ghaiti for immediate comments.
The expressions of anger have the potential to spread beyond Derna. A group of protestors outside the Sahaba Mosque urged the residents of Benghazi, the second largest city in Libya, to participate in the protest.
Libya's susceptibility to severe weather is heightened due to its prolonged political conflict. This conflict has endured for a decade and entails a power struggle between two opposing administrations.
In the northwest region of Libya, the UN-supported Government of National Unity (GNU) is led by Abdulhamid Dbeibeh and operates from Tripoli. On the other hand, the eastern part of Libya is controlled by commander Khalifa Haftar and his Libyan National Army (LNA), who align with the eastern-based parliament under the leadership of Osama Hamad.
Derna, which lies some 300 kilometers (190 miles) east of Benghazi, falls under the control of Haftar and his eastern administration.
