Libya marks revolution day
BENGHAZI, Libya — Libyans on Friday celebrated the first anniversary of the uprising against Moammar Gadhafi with fireworks and slogans, even as its new leader vowed to act firmly against further instability.
The former rebels who toppled Gadhafi last year with NATO backing set up fresh checkpoints in the capital Tripoli, in Benghazi, the eastern birthplace of the uprising, the western port city of Misrata and other towns.
The country’s new rulers have not organized any official celebrations at a national level out of respect for the thousands of people killed in the bloody conflict that saw Gadhafi captured and slain Oct. 20.
Spontaneous commemorations began nationwide, led by residents of Benghazi, the city which first rose against Gadhafi’s 42-year-old regime.
“We have called in special forces from outside of Benghazi. Soon the roads heading to the square will be closed to vehicles,” Omar Farraj, in charge of security for the Tahrir Square celebration in Benghazi, told AFP. “We want to ensure that the celebrations are peaceful.”
Men, women and children came out on the streets of Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata and other towns late on Thursday to begin the celebrations by setting off firecrackers and chanting slogans.
“I will fight with my body, heart and soul for our new Libya,” said Mustafa Ahmed Ali, a young recruit of the new Libyan army as he ran with about 100 comrades after passing a military training course in Benghazi on Thursday.
Benghazi residents will formally celebrate the anniversary later Friday at a function expected to be attended by Libya’s new ruler Mustafa Abdel Jalil, interim Prime Minister Abdel Rahim al-kib and other dignitaries.
Abdel Jalil warned on Thursday that the revolutionary spirit of Libya and its stability will not be compromised in any way.
“We opened our arms to all Libyans, whether they supported the revolution or not. But this tolerance does not mean we are incapable of dealing with the stability of our country,” he said in a television address. “We will be tough towards people who threaten our stability. The thuwar are ready to respond to any attack aimed at destabilizing” the country.
Tripoli resident Naima Misrati said traffic police and former rebels were distributing leaflets, warning people against thinking of carrying out attacks. “I have no words to describe my happiness. There is joy everywhere in Tripoli,” she told AFP.
But one year after the uprising, Libya is battling challenges ranging from how to tame the rowdy militias that fought Gadhafi to establishing a new rule of law.
Thousands of people were killed or wounded in the conflict, the country’s vital oil production ground to a halt, and homes, businesses, factories, schools and hospitals were devastated.
The challenges are manifold, including rebuilding an aging and damaged infrastructure, fostering vibrant state institutions, tackling a corrupt economy and boosting what are weak health, judicial and educational systems.
But the most immediate headache is how to control the tens of thousands of ex-rebels who have now turned into powerful militias, whose jealously guarded commitment to their honour and power occasionally erupts into deadly clashes.