Libya celebrates 72nd anniversary of independence

Yesterday, Sunday, Libya celebrated the 72nd anniversary of independence, that culminated in the struggle of Libyans to gain freedom after decades of the Italian occupation of the country, which set foot on Libyan lands in 1911.

The struggle against the Italian occupation continued until a United Nations resolution was issued giving Libya independence in November 1949, five years after the end of World War II.

On December 24, 1951, the late King Idris Al-Senussi declared Libya’s independence from the balcony of Al-Manar Palace in Benghazi.

On this occasion, GNU Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dabaiba, decreed Sunday, December 24, as an official holiday for all public institutions and bodies.

Resolution No. 570 of 2023 urged consideration of work in facilities with humanitarian and security services while maintaining the right of those operating there during the holiday to receive compensation for their work that day.

Furthermore, during the last hours, the President of the Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Menfi, received several congratulatory telegrams from US President Joe Biden, the King of Britain, Charles III, the King of Morocco, and the presidents of Egypt, Turkey, South Africa, Portugal, Greece, and the Sultan of Oman.

The National Transitional Council included December 24 among the country’s official holidays after the celebration of this anniversary was nullified during the Gaddafi regime, a celebration that stretched for 42 years. The independence flag was raised for the first time after these years during the first days of the February Revolution in  Benghazi.