Thousands rally in Libya to mark one year since declaration of national liberation

Thousands of Libyans gathered in Tripoli's Martyr Square on Tuesday to celebrate the anniversary of the country's declaration of liberation.      

Cars lined the streets and drivers beeped their horns around Martyr Square, known as Green Square during Muammar Gaddafi's rule and the scene of jubilant celebrations at the time following the rebel forces victory over his regime in 2011.   

In the square itself, men, women and children chanted and waved flags, and a fireworks display saw the celebrations go on into the night.     

Mabrook Issa, a Libyan citizen, felt there was "freedom and stability" in her country but hoped the new authorities extended these to smaller regions outside Tripoli and Benghazi.  

Amira Alfoghehy, another Libyan, thought the country still had work to do to achieve full liberation, saying she dreamt of a day that "Libya will be free of former regime loyalists".   

"Everyone will be loving and there is no hatred as is the case now."   

Libya ousted long-time dictator Gaddafi after an eight month civil war, which saw rebel forces succeed with support from the United Nations Security Council.     

The Security Council froze Gaddafi's assets and asserted a no-fly zone over Libya.     

The UN recognized the rebel National Transitional Council on 16 September, 2011 in place of the Gaddafi government.       

By August 2011 the rebel forces had mounted a successful offensive in the capital Tripoli and Gaddafi was killed during a battle in Sirte on 20 October.      

In all, the civil war is estimated to have claimed the lives of about 30,000 on both side of the conflict - Martyr Square is named in memory of those who died in the fighting.     

But a year later, Libya is still fractured by rival militias, tribes and armed backers of the old regime, and the government is struggling to impose its authority.      

New fighting flared in a hilltop town in Libya on Tuesday between fighters defending Bani Walid, a stronghold of slain dictator Muammar Gaddafi's regime and pro-government militias trying to win control.      

A military spokesman, Gen. Ali al-Shekhili, said there is still some resistance, but the pro-government forces have made significant advances toward the center of the town. Large numbers of residents have fled over the past few days, he said.


APTN