A report by the European Center for Political and Strategic Studies has called on NATO to pay compensation to Libya for the destruction caused by its 2011 military intervention, arguing that justice and reconstruction cannot be achieved without holding NATO accountable.
The study highlights that despite initial hopes for stability and democracy, Libya remains in a state of political division, economic struggle, and security deterioration due to the long-term consequences of NATO’s air campaign.
In March 2011, NATO launched a military operation in Libya under UN Resolution 1973, which led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.
However, instead of bringing stability, the intervention resulted in widespread infrastructure destruction, ongoing armed conflict, and deep political fragmentation. The study states that NATO and its member states have never taken responsibility for the aftermath, leaving Libya to struggle alone with its post-war chaos.
Western countries, particularly France, Italy, and the United States, are accused of continuing to exploit Libya’s resources while refusing to acknowledge or compensate for the devastation caused by their military operations.
The report also highlights how these nations have blocked Libya’s attempts at economic recovery, notably by keeping $200 billion in frozen Libyan assets locked in European banks.
Libyan experts and analysts have joined the calls for NATO to take responsibility. Political analyst Abdullah Al-Barqi pointed out that while Libya has made some progress in rebuilding its institutions, the country remains politically divided and unable to hold elections due to ongoing foreign interference.
He stressed that unfreezing Libyan funds and securing NATO compensation are crucial steps toward national recovery.
Economic expert Mohammed Abu Al-Khuloud supported this stance, arguing that the release of frozen Libyan assets could significantly boost the economy, improve public services, and create major investment opportunities. He emphasized that NATO’s role in Libya’s collapse cannot be ignored and that reparations should be part of any future international cooperation with Libya.
The report suggests that compensation from NATO should come in multiple forms, including direct financial aid, infrastructure reconstruction projects, humanitarian assistance, and long-term stability programs.
These measures, according to experts, would not only help rebuild Libya but also restore trust between Libya and the international community.
As Libya continues to face political instability, security threats, and economic hardships, calls for NATO to acknowledge its role and provide reparations are growing louder. Many Libyans believe that justice demands accountability and that NATO must take financial and moral responsibility for the destruction caused by its intervention.
The longer NATO and Western countries ignore these demands, the more resentment will grow within Libya, further complicating its path to stability and development.
