Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
US Special Envoy for Libya Ambassador HE Richard Norland has underscored the importance of a unified reconstruction effort in Libya to maximise effectiveness and transparency, with international partners like the World Bank and UN Development Program ready to assist.
Speaking at a special online press briefing on Thursday to discuss the United States’ commitment to assist Libya in dealing with the floods and resulting humanitarian crisis, Norland highlighted the immediate measures taken by the United States and its ongoing support in terms of diplomacy, development and defence engagements.
In remarks to Qatar Tribune regarding the immediate measures taken by the United States, Ambassador Norland outlined the comprehensive approach the US has taken.
He emphasised that the US embassy declared a disaster emergency on the day of the flood, swiftly releasing $12 million in humanitarian aid, which has been divided into three phases: immediate rescue and relief, ongoing recovery efforts in coordination with the United Nations, and a future focus on reconstruction.
The ambassador underscored the importance of a unified reconstruction effort in Libya to maximise effectiveness and transparency, with international partners like the World Bank and UN Development Program ready to assist.
Ambassador Norland also addressed the need for progress in the political process, specifically concerning electoral laws and the formation of a caretaker government.
He shed light on the commander of AFRICOM General Michael Langley’s visit to Tripoli and Benghazi, which was originally scheduled before the devastating flood in Libya, adding that during this visit, the paramount focus was on addressing security concerns and ensuring the well-being of the Libyan people.
He underlined the alarming situation along Libya’s southern borders, specifically along Sudan, Chad and Niger, stressing that these regions have become increasingly precarious and fragile, while the presence of the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organisation, has added to the destabilisation, not only within Libya but also in the bordering nations.
During the visit, Ambassador Norland and General Langley suggested that Libyan leaders engage with their Russian counterparts to raise important questions about the choice of the Wagner Group for involvement in Libya.
This recommendation underscores the need for transparency and a critical evaluation of the role this paramilitary group plays in the region.
A key point of discussion during General Langley’s visit was the imperative need to reunify the fragmented Libyan military. The initiative begins with the establishment of a joint force tasked with patrolling the sensitive southern region.
According to Ambassador Norland, this approach was initially proposed by the Joint Military Commission when they announced a ceasefire, known as the “5+5,” in October 2020. This commission continues to function and discussions within the Berlin Process Security Working Group and other forums revolve around unifying the Libyan military.
He added that once a unified security institution is established, it will pave the way for a unified government and, eventually, elections.
This, Ambassador Norland emphasised, will empower Libya to independently select its security cooperation partners, ensuring that the nation’s sovereignty remains paramount.
Regarding Libya’s ongoing challenges and the desire for stability, General Langley’s visit served as a significant step toward addressing security issues and fostering regional cooperation.
Ambassador Norland stressed that the United Nations is ready to play a positive role in facilitating these discussions, highlighting the importance of a credible roadmap to elections with buy-in from key Libyan leaders, including the House of Representatives, the High State Council, the Presidential Council, the Government of National Unity and the LNA.
Regarding security concerns, Ambassador Norland underlined the precarious situation on Libya’s southern borders, where Russian involvement, particularly through Wagner, has contributed to instability.
He mentioned discussions on reunifying the Libyan military, starting with a joint force to patrol the south, stressing that general Langley’s visit focused on this security aspect to create a unified security institution that would ultimately allow Libya to choose its security cooperation partners.
In response to a question regarding mechanisms to ensure transparent reconstruction in Derna and prevent misuse of funds, Ambassador Norland emphasized a needs assessment by the World Bank and the potential involvement of UNDP.
He said the Derna and Benghazi reconstruction fund as a resource to ensure transparency and accountability, emphasising the importance of international involvement to reassure the Libyan public that reconstruction funds are used as intended.
He expressed the urgency for Libyan leaders to seize the opportunity to bring their institutions together and legitimise them.
He emphasised that the United Nations has provided a viable platform for representatives from key parties to initiate discussions and work toward a more stable and prosperous future for Libya, urging these leaders to embrace this opportunity.
In the wake of the devastating floods that struck Derna and eastern Libya, the United States has stepped up as a beacon of hope and assistance.
With a commitment of $12 million in humanitarian aid and a multifaceted programme encompassing diplomacy, development and defence engagements, the US has emerged as the largest donor to the humanitarian response efforts in the affected regions.
The rapid response of the US embassy, declaring a disaster emergency on the day of the flood, underscored the nation’s dedication to addressing the urgent needs of the Libyan people.
The activation of USAID’s Tunis-based director from the Disaster Assistance Response Team and the dedicated efforts of USAID Libya representative John Cardenas on the ground in Tripoli exemplify the unwavering commitment to coordinating with humanitarian partners and Libyan officials, ensuring that support reaches those in dire need.
