Libya’s Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, has inaugurated a major housing project in the eastern city of Derna, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing reconstruction efforts following years of conflict and devastation.
The project, comprising 2,000 residential units in the Al-Salam district, was unveiled in the presence of senior Libyan officials, including House of Representatives Speaker Aqeela Saleh, Prime Minister of the Libyan Government-designate Osama Hammad, Chief of General Staff Khaled Haftar, and Director of the Libya Development and Reconstruction Fund Belqasem Haftar. The ceremony was also attended by members of parliament, government ministers, and local community leaders.
Speaking at the event, Haftar expressed his satisfaction at meeting residents of Derna, describing the occasion as a long-awaited milestone that signals the return of normal life and stability to the city. He said the reopening of housing projects reflects tangible progress in rebuilding infrastructure and restoring public services.
He praised the efforts of the armed forces, police, and security agencies for maintaining stability in Derna and creating the conditions necessary for reconstruction projects to move forward. According to Haftar, security remains a cornerstone for any sustainable development in post-conflict areas.
Haftar stressed that reconstruction is a fundamental responsibility of the state towards its citizens, highlighting the importance of meeting people’s needs, safeguarding dignity, and ensuring basic rights. He added that delivering visible improvements on the ground is the true measure of success for state institutions.
The Libyan commander also called for continued momentum in reconstruction efforts, urging authorities to expand similar projects across cities and towns nationwide. He emphasised that development must reach all regions to support long-term stability and economic recovery.
Derna, which has faced years of conflict and severe infrastructure damage, has become a focal point for reconstruction initiatives in eastern Libya. Large-scale housing developments are seen as essential to resettling displaced families and revitalising local communities.
The launch of the Al-Salam housing project underscores broader efforts by eastern-based authorities to accelerate rebuilding programmes and address housing shortages, as Libya continues its gradual path toward recovery.