Libya marks anniversary of revolt which ousted Gaddafi

Libyans are marking the anniversary of the uprising that led to the overthrow of Col Muammar Gaddafi after his rule of more than 40 years.

Celebrations are planned in towns and cities across the country and have been under way for days in the eastern city of Benghazi, where the revolt began.

But the anniversary comes amid fears of continuing instability.

Hundreds of militias are roaming the country unimpeded and observers point to an institutional void in Libya.

Libyan interim leader Mustafa Abdul Jalil on Thursday vowed a tough response to anyone who threatened national security during Friday’s celebrations.

‘Curly, we’re sorry!’

Friday 17 February marks one year since the first major demonstration against Col Gaddafi’s rule in Benghazi, which became the rebel stronghold.

The bloody uprising quickly spread around the country and led eventually to Nato’s military intervention in the conflict. Col Gaddafi was killed in his hometown of Sirte on 20 October.

There will be fireworks and – no doubt – plenty of shooting in the air.