Post-Gaddafi Libya is a mix of newfound freedom and political instability. The latest news includes worries of an impending coup dӎtat after a top general suggested that the way forward for the country was to suspend Parliament.
Still, Libyans celebrated – or at least were free to acknowledge – the third anniversary of their 2011 revolution that overthrew long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi. It was Feb. 17, 2011, when members of the Libyan opposition declared a “day of rage” against the regime, which culminated in Gaddafi’s death during the ensuing civil war.
Despite serious security concerns, Libyans seemed to share a guarded optimism about the state of the nation. Here’s how it looked on Twitter.
One of the more hopeful posts included a festive photo of decorated streets, and the declaration: “Libya is celebrating its third year of freedom, today everything is under control and accounted for, God is great.”
ليبيا تØتÙÙ„ بالعام الثالث من الØرية ،، لاخو٠ÙÙŠ ليبيا بعد اليوم الكل تØت الرقابة والمØاسبة ،، لاكبير إلا الله. pic.twitter.com/SfwtpYYTcg
— عمر بن عبدالعزيز (@oamaz7) February 17, 2014
A young Libyan woman living in the city of Misrata — where the revolution was born — tweeted a message of thanks to those who had died in the uprising.
It is now #Feb17 . I just want to take this opportunity to thank our Martyrs who died for us and our Freedom Fighters.” #ليبيا
— Omaimah_Basheer (@omaimahbt) February 17, 2014
Images of martyrs were also tweeted, accompanied by prayers. One tweet remembers pilot Muhammad Mubarak Al-Aqili.
الشهيد العقيد طيار Ù…Øمد مبارك العقيلي صاØب اليمين الشهير “عليا اليمين بنغازي ما تخشها يا معمر” pic.twitter.com/IH1JtiV77A
— تغريدات ليبيا (@LibyaTopTweets) February 17, 2014
Another similar tweet reads, “#memories of the revolution #that we may not forget the martyr Muhammad Nabus.”
#ذكريات_الثورة #لكي_لا_ننسي الشهيد Ù…Øمد نبوس pic.twitter.com/MHgmHnrMcT
— Tawfik Bensaud (@TBensaud) February 17, 2014
Using the same hashtag, a young Libyan woman in the revolutionary town of Benghazi recalled: “#memories of the revolution — making food for the thuwar revolutionaries.”
#ذكريات_الثورة making food for the thuwar ✌ï¸
— R. (@3doditee) February 16, 2014
Not all tweets were thankful and celebratory, however. “>The same young Libyan woman who tweeted about making food also recalled: “#memories of the revolution — when we could walk around Benghazi alone and still feel safe!”
Twitter debates also ensued over whether a revolution actually happened, and whether it has been successful.
For All Those Who Don’t believe The Revolution Was Successful. #17Feb #Libya pic.twitter.com/IrseMuNUXK
— Areej أريج ↑ (@3alaDil3owna) February 17, 2014
Still, the tone on the ground seemed to be one of guarded optimism. One tweet featured an image of a Libyan man carrying a poster, reading, “In spite of the shortcomings, I will celebrate the February 17th anniversary.”
Dear negative people #Libya pic.twitter.com/gCvyP4XCpz
— R. (@3doditee) February 17, 2014
