Hundreds of people protested today in Tripoli’s Martyrs’ Square demanding that, because of its ” failures and poor performance”, the General National Congress’ mandate not be extended.
The “9 November Movement” protesters further called for a rapid election of a new congress to achieve “the aspirations and hopes of the sons of the homeland”.
Along with this came the demand that all illegal armed formations, not under state control, should quit their camps in Tripoli and all other cities. Demonstrators compared the militias will former Qaddafi brigades.
One of the organiser,s Ashraf Nakou told the Libya Herald that they worked hard to ensure the protest was peaceful, and had sought protection from the Tripoli Security Directorate .
“We have had enough of the useless Congress and government”, one of the protesters, Fatima Mohamed told this paper, “We supported them several times as they are the only legitimate body in Libya. But it seems that they just like the power and forget how ordinary Libyans struggle on a daily basis”.
Another demonstrator, who refused to give his name, asked angrily: “How come that there are illegal arrests, explosions and assassinations in Benghazi, Derna and other cities and no one has yet come from the Congress and government to make a statement so that people know what’s really going on?”
He said that either the Congress and government were actually involved in what is happening or they were weaker than the force that now controls the state.
The Justice and Construction Party and Benghazi Congressional member Mohamed Zarouq told the Libya Herald that some of the Congress members and he himself agree with all the “9 November Movement” demands, except their deadline for new elections.
“It does not make sense according to re-elect two hundred Congressional members in December”, said Zarouq. He went on to praise the peaceful nature of the “9 November Movement” demonstration, saying it showed the development of a political culture.
Besides Tripoli, protests took place in Zawia, Misrata, Sebha, Zintan, Tobruk, and Beida. Organisers had announced that the event in Benghazi had been cancelled because of security fears and reported warnings from hostile groups. Nevertheless some demonstrators did still gathered as scheduled in Khalsa Square.
Ahmed Elumami
