Libyan Court Sentences Officials Over Dam Collapse in Derna

A Libyan court has sentenced 12 officials to prison for their roles in the catastrophic dam collapse in Derna last year, which resulted in the deaths of thousands. The attorney general announced on Sunday that the officials, responsible for dam management, received prison terms ranging from 9 to 27 years, while four others were acquitted. The disaster occurred in September 2022 when Storm Daniel unleashed massive floods that overwhelmed the city, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. The coastal city of Derna, home to approximately 125,000 residents, was severely impacted by the floods, which not only caused fatalities but also left many missing. The attorney general's office in Tripoli revealed that three of the convicted officials were ordered to repay money gained through illicit means. Charges against the officials included negligence, premeditated murder, and mismanagement of public funds, with the possibility of appealing the verdicts. A joint report from the World Bank, United Nations, and European Union highlighted the flooding as a climate and environmental disaster, estimating that $1.8 billion is needed for recovery and reconstruction efforts. The report attributed the dam failures to outdated design practices and inadequate maintenance, exacerbated by over a decade of conflict in Libya. Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been divided between rival factions, complicating governance and infrastructure management, which has contributed to the ongoing challenges faced by the nation.