BENGHAZI — Libya’s leader has called for unity in the North African nation as the country Sunday celebrated the second anniversary of the uprising that toppled longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
Addressing thousands of flag-waving Libyans Sunday, Mohammed Magarief urged his countrymen to “join ranks and resolve our differences to build our nation.”
He also promised to fight poverty and “marginalization,” and to give Libyans extra cash to mark the occasion.
However, Magarief did not say how much or how the money would be distributed.
Magarief spoke at a rally in Benghazi, the eastern city that is the birthplace of the anti-Gaddafi uprising.
Security forces were on high alert across the country with borders closed and some international flights suspended.
The anniversary of the uprising comes as Libya’s new rulers battle critics calling for a “new revolution” and accusing them of failing to usher in much-needed reforms.
On Friday, thousands of people gathered in the main cities of Tripoli and Benghazi to celebrate the initial Feb. 15, 2011 protest that ignited the revolt two days later.
Authorities have taken steps aimed at preventing any violence on a day when spontaneous celebrations are expected.
Tahrir Square in Benghazi was the focus of revolt anniversary celebration where Magarief, the de facto head of state, spoke.
Libya’s borders with Egypt and Tunisia were closed from Thursday for four days, and all international flights have been suspended except at the airports of Tripoli and second city Benghazi — the cradle of the “Feb. 17 revolution.”
Prime Minister Ali Zidan said the measures were taken to avoid “any bid to undermine Libya’s security and disrupt celebrations marking the anniversary of the revolution.”
“The joy that motivated people in towns and villages on Feb. 15 and 16 has allowed Libyans to prove to the world that they are a civilized people who revolted against injustice and tyranny to gain freedom,” he said.
Opposition groups are demanding that former Gaddafi regime officials be barred from holding public office, and a leaflet circulated in Tripoli calls for a “popular revolt” and civil disobedience to bring down the current regime.
It is unclear who is behind the leaflet and the calls for protests, but Libyan officials and several organizations, including Islamic groups, accuse remnants of the former regime of fomenting protests to “sow disorder and instability.”
“Security is one of the challenges the country faces, especially the proliferation of weapons and the escape of thousands of prisoners” during the revolution, political analyst Suleyman Azqim told AFP.
“The new authorities are faced with immediate social demands that prevent them from implementing medium- or long-term economic or security strategies.”
Despite Libya holding its first free elections in July last year, Azqim said the country is not yet politically mature after four decades of dictatorship under Gaddafi.
The fear of fresh violence is strong among both Libya’s dwindling foreign community and Libyans who have rushed to stock up on food and domestic gas.
“We must be ready. One never knows what can happen, particularly since there is no stability in the country and the government is unable to impose its authority,” said one, Murad Abuajila Al-Majbri. — Agencies
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