A report from Africa Defense Forum, a publication of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), has revealed that U.S. aid to Libya since 2011 has reached nearly $1 billion. Of this amount, approximately $275 million has been allocated to humanitarian assistance, reflecting the growing need for emergency relief and support amid Libya’s ongoing crises.
The report also highlighted a key meeting between Libyan military officials and their U.S. counterparts during a three-day workshop held in Malta last month. The event aimed to strengthen military cooperation and share expertise on crisis management, minimizing civilian harm during military operations, and improving community engagement in conflict areas. Discussions also focused on better coordination in response to natural disasters and emerging crises.
U.S. officials emphasized the significance of Malta’s maritime facilities in supporting an integrated crisis response, particularly for sea-related emergencies. A senior U.S. military official stated, “Understanding Malta’s naval assets has broadened our approach to coordinated crisis response, particularly in maritime settings. It’s a great opportunity to see how their resources can be used in tandem with civilian authorities during disaster relief and security operations.”
This cooperation comes at a time when Libya is in dire need of improved disaster response capabilities, following a series of crises that have left large parts of the country vulnerable.
The importance of disaster relief cooperation was underscored by the tragic floods that hit the city of Derna in September 2023. The catastrophic event, caused by heavy rains from Storm Daniel, resulted in the collapse of two dams, sweeping entire neighborhoods into the Mediterranean Sea. The flooding led to the deaths of more than 4,350 people, with over 8,500 still missing.
The Derna disaster prompted an international outcry, with the United States pledging millions in aid to support relief efforts. Initially, the U.S. committed $15.5 million in disaster relief, and USAID contributed an additional $1 million in emergency funding. USAID also deployed disaster response teams in Tunisia and Washington, D.C., to coordinate immediate assistance.
A joint report by the World Bank, United Nations, and European Union estimates that $1.8 billion will be needed for reconstruction and recovery following the Derna floods. The disaster directly impacted 1.5 million people—22% of Libya’s population—and caused widespread destruction across the region.
To date, U.S. aid has supported approximately 250,000 people affected by the floods, with the total aid amounting to more than $71 million by the end of 2023. These funds have gone toward emergency relief, including food, shelter, and medical assistance for those most affected.
Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has faced ongoing instability, leaving millions in need of humanitarian support. U.S. aid has played a crucial role in helping the country cope with both conflict-related crises and natural disasters. The aid provided to Libya has been spread across multiple sectors, including humanitarian relief, security training, and political stabilization efforts.
