Libyans have decorated homes and streets to celebrate the 13th anniversary of the February 17 Revolution, which ousted the long-time dictator Moammar Gaddafi in 2011.
As the country is still caught up into an east and west political strife, the celebrations by state institutions will only be held in areas under total control of the Government of National Unity (mainly western Libya) because the House of Representatives and its designated government have announced that there will be no celebrations this anniversary in eastern Libya in solidarity with the victims of Storm Daniel and ensuing floods that hit Derna and other eastern areas in last September.
This year’s anniversary comes as the date set for taking Libya to elections keeps getting pushed forth to further notice, and while Libyans have enjoyed a life without the military rule of Gaddafi and his henchmen since 2011, so many Gaddafi-style individuals got in the way of fulfilling Libyans’ aspirations for freedom, civil state, and democracy.
As Libyans start this 13th anniversary of February 17 Revolution celebrations, they are preoccupied with what will become of their country. Will there be elections in 2024 and can they have a valid and solid basis? That is a question that most Libyans ask, but for now they just want democracy, security, prosperity, services and unity.
