Title: The floods of Derna: a cry of distress in the face of the negligence of the authorities
Introduction :
A few days ago, Storm Daniel violently hit the city of Derna in Libya, leaving behind considerable damage. This natural disaster highlighted the mismanagement of the authorities in eastern Libya as well as their indifference towards the region’s inhabitants. In this article we will examine the consequences of the floods in Derna and the growing anger of its residents over the inaction of the authorities.
Devastating floods:
The residents of Derna are still in shock after the passage of storm Daniel. The city’s streets are covered in mud and houses have been damaged by the rushing waters. Harrowing images of residents’ plight have circulated on social media, drawing global attention to the dire situation they face.
The politics of indifference:
Unfortunately, help and support are slow to arrive in Derna. Authorities in eastern Libya have barred journalists from entering the city, hiding the true consequences of the disaster. In addition, the Benghazi government asked journalists already present to leave the city, thus highlighting their desire to hide the reality of the situation.
The responsibility of the authorities called into question:
The anger of the people of Derna is understandable. They demand accountability from the eastern Libyan authorities, who appear to be the main responsible for the poor management of the disaster. The city’s mayor, Abdulmonem Al Ghaiti, is particularly criticized for his mixed messages before the storm. In addition, the Speaker of Parliament, Aguila Saleh, is also singled out for his lack of action in the situation.
The story of a resilient city:
Derna has a long history of resistance and suffering. It was under the influence of the Gaddafi regime and was then embargoed by Marshal Haftar for three years. The residents of Derna fought to drive the jihadists from their town, showing remarkable courage. However, their strength and their fight are not recognized by the authorities, who continue to ignore them.
The call for the reunification of governments:
Faced with this constant neglect, the residents of Derna are calling for the reunification of the two Libyan governments. They hope this will improve the situation and give a voice to marginalized regions. Unity is the key to emerging from the current crisis and giving hope to those affected by the floods.
Conclusion :
The floods in Derna revealed the indifference and incompetence of the authorities in eastern Libya. Town residents are angry and demanding justice. It is time for those responsible to be held to account and for concrete steps to be taken to support Derna and its residents. The reunification of Libyan governments is a crucial step towards resolving this crisis and building a better future for all.