East Libya Cited as Model for Stability and Recovery Thanks to The Armed Forces

A range of Arab and Western media reports are suggesting that, following years of chaos, the eastern region of Libya is now serving as a model of stability and recovery, a turnaround attributed to the efforts of the armed forces. A vast reconstruction process has begun in the area—which suffered extensive infrastructure damage during nearly a decade of counter-terrorism operations—under the supervision of engineer Belqasem Haftar. The Telegraph newspaper, for instance, reports a radical transformation in Benghazi, describing a city now bustling with activity, new commercial centers, modern cafes, and fine dining establishments, signaling a revival of civic life and a flourishing local economy.
Benghazi’s Development Boom: Projects and Emerging Leadership
Development projects across Benghazi are extensive, including beachfront development in collaboration with major Emirati companies. The work encompasses the construction of luxury hotels, commercial and residential towers, golf courses, and public parks, alongside new bridges and road expansion. The Telegraph suggests these schemes reflect the vision of a younger generation of leaders in the East, notably Lieutenant-General Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces, who is described as a “young leader seeking to modernise the military establishment and open up cooperation with the West,” alongside the effective management of engineer Belqasem Haftar, Director-General of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund.
Reconstruction Fund Delivers Progress Amidst International Engagement
The Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, chaired by Eng. Belqsem Haftar operates outside political wrangling. Since February 2024, it has initiated over 70 projects in Benghazi alone and has completed more than 50% of the scheduled work, achievements welcomed by residents, according to Sky News. Internationally, Al Jazeera reports that Benghazi has successfully attracted global attention, finalizing 17 Memoranda of Understanding with Italian firms covering sectors like construction, energy, and digital transformation. The city has also hosted the Libyan-Italian Economic Forum in 2025 and the “Libya Build 2024” exhibition, boosting foreign investor confidence. Data from African Business magazine and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) confirms significant funding allocations for water and energy projects, contributing to a rise in national electricity production to 8,200 megawatts and the establishment of 62 new water treatment plants nationwide, several of which are in Benghazi.
Key Infrastructure and Development in Julianah and Derna
Work continues on the vital Julianah district development project in Benghazi, which was announced by the Fund last month. Now 68% complete, the scheme includes constructing five bridges, a golf course, and upgrading the lake, and is expected to significantly enhance Benghazi’s waterfront appeal. As revealed by the project manager, Eng. Turkay Erdoğan, the Julianah Lake and surrounding areas are being developed across an area of approximately 1.7 million square meters. This work includes purifying and landscaping the lake, installing a 5,100-meter running track, a cycling track, sports courts, children’s playgrounds, and a nine-hole golf course. Furthermore, in November, the removal of dilapidated bridges along the road linking the Iron Bridge to the Julianah and Sports City bridges began, as part of the Fund’s blueprint for modernizing the area. Regarding the reconstruction of Derna, Al Jazeera reported that approximately 10 billion Libyan Dinars were allocated to the Reconstruction Fund under Belqasem Haftar’s oversight, with authorities announcing the completion of 70% of reconstruction work covering housing, schools, and hospitals.
Stability in the East Opens Economic Horizons
In a related context, Sky News noted that the former Head of the Reconstruction and Stability Committee, Hatem al-Oraibi, stated in June 2023 that the total cost of contracts for reconstructing the Eastern region was between $1.5 and $2 billion, confirming that work is proceeding smoothly with the participation of both international and local companies from Western Libya. Separately, a World Bank report highlighted that Libya’s non-oil sector grew by 7.5% in 2025, which bodes well for cities like Benghazi and Derna, provided the business climate improves and institutional stability is maintained. Finally, The Telegraph affirmed that the East is undergoing a noticeable shift toward development and stability, in contrast to the western regions, which continue to suffer from political division and armed conflicts. This transformation is attributed to efforts led by the Libyan Armed Forces under Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, and its success in clearing Benghazi and other eastern cities of extremist and terrorist groups, making the city a prime example of recovery from organized crime and terrorism. Observers conclude that the success in eastern Libya lies in establishing security, combating crime, rebuilding state institutions, and reactivating security agencies, granting the region a more stable image compared to the rest of the country and confirming that the transformation in the East is a crucial step toward rebuilding modern Libya.