Italian Website: International Funds Allocated for Derna Residents Spent for ‘Personal’ Purposes in Eastern Libya
An Italian website reported today that Libya’s economic prospects remain positive in the short and medium term, largely due to relatively high oil prices. The site pointed out several problems in Libya, including the lack of a clear economic vision and the absence of economic diversification beyond the oil and gas sector. It emphasized the importance of establishing more effective mechanisms to combat corruption and money laundering.
At the same time, the site highlighted a report from the International Monetary Fund confirming the increasing corruption and organized crime among those in power. The Central Bank of Libya, according to the report, is at the center of patronage networks, regulating the banking sector and determining the distribution of oil revenues between the authorities in eastern and western Libya.
Financial Corruption:
The Italian site explained that the family of the commander of the Libyan National Army, Khalifa Haftar, in eastern Libya has a strong influence on economic and financial institutions, making supported loans and appointments to key positions possible for individuals close to Haftar’s family in a dynamic that contributes to the growth of the Libyan economy through illicit trafficking.
The site continued by stating that Haftar and his sons have been found to use international funds allocated to Derna for personal purposes. In response to these dynamics, the United Nations Security Council issued Resolution 2702 on October 30, 2023, emphasizing the need for democratic elections in Libya.
According to the site, the Security Council resolution stresses that “reconstruction aid must be managed and distributed transparently with effective controls and accountability to the Libyan people.”
Illicit Trafficking:
The site pointed out that officially, the European Union does not consider the Tarek bin Ziyad Brigade a suitable partner in border management. Recently, a spokesperson for the European Commission stated that these “armed groups” are under the command of Khalifa Haftar and are also known in Libya for their close ties to Russia and the United States. Additionally, Tarek bin Ziyad is involved in various illicit trafficking operations, including drugs, gold smuggling, and fuel.
According to reliable reports, the Tarek bin Ziyad Brigade participates in migrant smuggling and monitoring maritime borders. It also organized the boat trip that sank in Greece last June, resulting in the deaths of around 600 people.
