Protests take over torn Derna, calls for leadership change

Published September 19th, 2023 - 08:23 GMT
Derna
People gather for a demonstration outside the surviving Al-Sahaba mosque in Libya's eastern city of Derna on September 18, 2023, as they protest against government neglect to the two dams which broke and led to the deadly flash floods that hit the city the prior week. (Photo by Hussam AHMED / AFP)

ALBAWABA -  Hundreds of Libyans took to the streets of the devastated city of Derna on Monday, as they believe that the authorities of negligence after the massive flash floods ravaged the seaside city and killed thousands.

The protestors the Derna's grand mosque and were seen chanting angry slogans against the parliament in east Libya and its leader Aguilah Saleh like: "The people want parliament to fall", "Aguila is the enemy of God", "The blood of martyrs is not shed in vain" and "Thieves and betrayers must hang".

Some marched towards the house of Mayor Abdulmonem al-Ghaithi and set it on fire, according to images shared on social networks and by Libyan media. They also demanded a United Nations office in Derna, as well as the commencement of "the city's reconstruction, plus compensation for affected residents" and an investigation of the present city council and prior budgets.

CNN correspondent Jomana Karadsheh Scott posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying: "People are demanding accountability. It’s not only a natural disaster that is to blame for two dams bursting and wiping out neighborhoods & thousands".

 Analyst Anas el-Gomati on said X, posted pictures of the destruction quoted: "Those who survived from the city, in what's left of the city, against the ones who brought death and destruction to the city,".

Taha Bobeda, a popular political activist, led the protests across Derna. "We want the entire parliament to resign and fresh leaders to take over," Bobeda told Sky News. 

"We want the international community to take a strong stand, conduct an independent inquiry and ensure the aid to rebuild Derna is distributed honestly".

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