Call to Action / Storm Daniel struck Derna,
My name is Faisal Feituri. I am a first-generation Libyan-American and founder of the Libyan-American Coalition, an independent, non-partisan group building economic bridges between the US and Libya.
On 11 September Storm Daniel struck Libya, leaving at least 11,000 people died and another 10,100 missing. The city of Derna is at the epicenter of the crisis.
Citizens of the city where given little to no warning to evacuate, despite Storm Daniel being tracked as it approached. The bulk of the flooding is due to the collapse of two aging dams that no one in government bothered to maintain. An academic study last year published by a Libyan university journal warned that the dams were crumbling and of “disastrous consequences” should they fail.
The dams’ failure is symbolic of the rot and corruption at the core of Libya today.
Eastern Libya is governed by warlord Khalifa Haftar. Meanwhile, the UN-recognized Government in Tripoli came to power promising to unify Libya and hold elections, but is more interested in siphoning off Libya’s resources than fixing the country.
The sad fact is that Libya has Africa’s largest proven oil reserves and a small population of just six million. The country’s oil and gas deposits give it vast economic potential. Libya, which is just a short ferry ride away from southern Europe, should also be a manufacturing hub for the West. Instead of a United Arab Emirates on the Mediterranean, Libya is a failed state.
Libyans are smart, educated and pro-American. Before Muammar Qaddafi rose to power, the country was fostering deep economic ties with the US. The Libyan-American Coalition is dedicated to reviving the mutually beneficial economic partnership by empowering young entrepreneurs and deepening business networks.
Right now, Libya needs American aid to recover from this crisis. In April 2022, President Biden announced the United States would prioritize engagement and partnership with Libya under the US Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability. US attention is needed now more than ever. Failure to provide aid could lead to more instability, mass migration and a return to terrorism.
But Washington must engage smartly and strategically with Libya.
The UN-recognized government in Western Libya and the Easter government affiliated with Khalifa Haftar cannot be trusted with one penny of US and international aid. These corrupt politicians and military leaders will steal every cent they are given.
The United States MUST create an independent body to dispense the aid directly to the Libyan people and work with properly vetted aid groups. The US must provide aid to the Libyan people, but nothing for its corrupt politicians and military leaders.
Thank You US Embassy and Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland
One of the most important developments for the Lady Be Good project this year has been to receive the support of the US Embassy in Tripoli. As an organization with roots in both Libya and the US, it is a privilege to have our work recognized by the US Embassy as integral to promoting bilateral ties between these two great countries.
‘Very worthwhile and commendable project’
-US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland
At the forefront of this cooperation has been US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland, whose support and engagement has extended to the highest levels of our work to bring the Lady Be Good B-24 bomber home to the US.
From the Ambassador to the Public Affairs office, it has been a privilege for the Libyan American Coalition to work with the US Embassy. We look forward to realizing the completion of this project in close continued coordination with the US Embassy.
Preparing for repatriation:
Donation offer and US Congressional support
While the Libyan American Coalition has made much progress, there is still important work to be done before the Lady Be Good can finally return home.
Visits to Tobruk
Between 2019 and early 2022 the coalition made multiple trips to the city of Tobruk to inspect the Lady Be Good Aircraft with historical experts.
While the Lady Be Good survived Libya’s decade of conflict unscathed, sadly it has been left exposed to the natural elements. The aircraft is in good condition, but its lack of proper covering is one reason why the coalition has accelerated its efforts to bring the aircraft home as quickly as possible.
Donation offer and US Congressional support
In May 2022 the Libyan American Coalition formally made an offer of donation of the aircraft to the US National Air force Museum. We are currently in discussions with the museum to see the best options for displaying the Lady Be Good.
As the Lady Be Good project develops it has garnered the interest of bipartisan US lawmakers who see the aircraft’s return as an important symbol of US-Libya relations. We have been communicating with Republican and Democratic leadership in the Senate and House of Representatives informing them of our pr
Libyan Political Leadership
Libya continues to grapple with severe challenges. As the coalition is built from both US and Libyan citizens we are fully aware of the economic, political and security issues facing the country. Despite this, it has been heartwarming to see that political leaders from across the country have supported this initiative, recognizing it is a national project aimed at improving people to people relations between Libya and the US.
Into the future
The next steps are to begin the actual repatriation process, where we will focus on bringing historical experts and teams to Tobruk to package the aircraft and prepare for the first leg of its journey, across Libya’s border to Egypt.
We will continue to provide updates on the status of our work and remain grateful to our donors for supporting this initiative.
We are looking for new supporters to help with the final journey back to the US and are grateful for new support.
Our Aspirations
Economic Future
Accountability & Empowerment
Accountability & Empowerment
Libya is uniquely positioned to benefit from global economic trends. It ranks in the top 10 countries in the world for proved oil reserves. Its status as a pivotal energy producer makes it a valuable partner to Europe and the US as they look to move away from Russian energy. But with a population of just 7 million and a median age of 28 years old, Libya should be harnessing its natural wealth to make investments for the future in technology, manufacturing, tourism and clean energy. Libya’s proximity to Europe and its young-educated population make it an ideal partner to Europe and the U.S. This is the type of win-win economic relationship the Libyan American Coalition is trying to foster.
Accountability & Empowerment
Accountability & Empowerment
Accountability & Empowerment
We believe the best solution to Libya’s crisis is empowering the Libyan people to vote and hold politicians accountable at the ballot box. 2.8 million Libyans registered to vote last year. They are tired of conflict and know all too well how armed groups exploit the absence of a central authority to wield power and control Libya’s natural resources. An under utilized weapon against the corrupt politicians and in favor of elections is the diaspora, particularly in the US and Europe. The coalition is working to foster greater engagement between Libyan Americans and their homeland. They can play a pivotal role
strengthening civil society and educating local communities.
