In a statement received by LANA: Former Crown Prince of Libya, Muhammad al-Senussi, says that corruption is behind the aggravation of the Derna disaster as a result of Hurricane Daniel.

Tripoli, December 17, 2023 (LANA) - The former Crown Prince of Libya, “Mohamed Al-Hassan Al-Rida Al-Senussi,” confirmed that the spread of corruption and the deteriorating state of infrastructure in Libya exacerbated the disaster witnessed by the city of Derna and the cities of Jabal Al-Akhdar as a result of the floods and torrents that accompanied Hurricane (Daniel) and struck the region last September.

Al-Senussi said in a statement, a copy of which was received by the Libyan News Agency on Sunday, that the Libyan aid, rescue and emergency crews, despite the heroism and courage they demonstrated, were due to corruption and the complete collapse of the various state structures and service institutions, and found themselves, despite their enthusiasm and sincerity, stuck in a cycle of chaos and confusion.

He added, "This corruption and collapse in the management of institutions, which we have warned about for years, are aware of the dimensions of the Libyan people," pointing out that the Libyans, despite the state of sadness and frustration that afflicted them sharply, pointed the finger of blame, and appropriately, to corruption and its agents who control the livelihoods and destinies of Libyans, as a main culprit that contributed to the natural disaster exceeding its limits and causing thousands of victims and martyrs.

  He continued, in this regard, that he understands well the demand of many Libyans to open an international investigation, independent international supervision, and Libyan partnership in managing the rescue and reconstruction efforts of the city of Derna.

Al-Senussi said, "These demands, which come from the womb of long suffering that the Libyans have experienced, are fueled by what is happening in the city of Derna in terms of exploitation, trading, and bidding. Everyone feels the necessity of striving with everything we have to protect this city and the rest of the affected cities and villages in the Jabal Al-Ahkdar region, from exploitation practiced by those who have dominated the scene in Libya for years."

He believed that the ideal solution in Libya would not be to form an international oversight committee for the reconstruction and recovery of this or that city, because every city in Libya is a disaster project waiting to happen, and all regions of Libya could become disaster areas at any moment due to the collapse of institutions and the absence of wise management. The appearances of the state in general have disappeared, but the rescue that Libya needs today, according to him, is the return of the state and its legitimate, constitutional and legal institutions represented by the Kingdom of Libya.

Al-Senussi stressed that these institutions will need all possible international support, and thus they will be able to rebuild Libya in an appropriate manner, restore to its governments the transparency and integrity required of them, and bring to justice anyone who neglects or tampers with the capabilities and destinies of the Libyans.

He pointed out at the conclusion of his statement that he stressed, since the first days following the disaster that struck the cities of the eastern region, especially the city of Derna, his keenness to keep his focus on saving the lives that could be saved and honoring the martyrs who died and burying them in a proper manner.

(LANA)