Thousands of Libyans rallied on Friday in mass demonstrations in the capital Tripoli, as well as in Misrata, Sabratha, and other areas in western Libya, demanding the departure of the Government of National Unity, all political bodies, and the dismantling of armed militias.
In Martyrs’ Square in central Tripoli, massive crowds raised images of those in power and held banners calling for the overthrowing of the Government of National Unity in Tripoli, the parallel government in the east, the House of Representatives, the High Council of State, and the Presidential Council. Protesters chanted: “Leave!” “The keys to the state are in the people’s hands!” and “No East, No West, Libya is national unity.” They also called for an end to corruption and the dominance of militias and armed groups.
Through their chants and signs, protesters expressed their rejection of the legitimacy of the current political entities and their refusal to accept the ongoing political system. They demanded an end to the transitional phases and the holding of elections to allow the people to determine their fate and choose a legitimate authority.
Those who organized the protests expressed hope that the demonstrations would help remove all current political entities from the scene, asserting that they no longer represent the Libyan people, according to activists.
Unlike last Friday’s protest, the Ministry of Interior forces succeeded in securing the protests and preventing them from veering into violence by protesters or suppression by security forces.
