Libya is preparing to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the February 17 Revolution, amidst an atmosphere dominated by preparations to celebrate this historical event that reshaped the nation.
The Aftermath: 15 Years of Obstacles
Despite a decade and a half passing since the revolution’s onset, the Libyan state continues to endure persistent crises. Efforts to organize actual presidential and parliamentary elections have failed, and the constitutional project has remained stalled since 2017. This failure is evident in the ongoing deep political division between two rival governments and a fractured High Council of State. Furthermore, there is an inability to dismantle armed groups despite local and international agreements, including the outcomes of the (5+5) Joint Military Commission. The country also suffers under institutional deterioration, severe economic crises, rampant corruption, and a clear decline in basic services such as education and healthcare, all within a turbulent political landscape that the UN mission attempts to manage without achieving tangible results.
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The Path from Peaceful Protest to Radical Change
The spark began in Benghazi through peaceful demonstrations calling for democracy and political reform. However, the scene quickly shifted into an armed conflict between opposition forces and Muammar Gaddafi’s troops, supported by NATO military intervention. These transitions—which included the expansion of protests to Tripoli, Zintan, and El Beida—led to thousands of casualties and the defection of prominent state and military leaders, such as Justice Minister Mustafa Abdul Jalil and Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa. This path concluded with international recognition of the National Transitional Council and the imposition of strict international sanctions, leading to the fall of the regime and the killing of Gaddafi in Sirte in October 2011.
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The Gap Between Memory and Lived Reality
Currently, the post-revolution generation views the events of February as a story from the past that does not intersect with their reality, which is burdened by armed conflict, assassinations, and economic collapse. As for the older generations, their celebration of the anniversary is now tinged with caution and apprehension of any sudden security flare-up, as citizens’ concerns have shifted from the ambition of nation-building to a mere struggle for survival. A fundamental question arises regarding the extent to which Libyans still adhere to the revolution’s principles, and whether the values for which martyrs sacrificed themselves have turned into tools exploited by political factions for private gain.
Looking Toward Comprehensive National Reconciliation
The Libyan scene today remains a complex mixture of nostalgia for the revolution’s momentum and resentment toward the bitter reality. Commemorating the February anniversary is no longer just an annual ritual; it has become an expression of Libyans waiting for genuine steps to restore the legitimacy of their demands. It represents a renewed hope for establishing a unified and stable state based on justice and the rule of law—goals that have been the primary driver for the Libyan people since 2011.