December 2013

Libya's uprising began in February 2011 after security forces in the eastern city of Benghazi opened fire on a protest.

Anti-government demonstrations then erupted across the nation.

With military assistance from the West and several Arab states and after six months of fighting, rebel forces captured the capital, Tripoli. After four decades in power, Muammar Gaddafi went on the run but was captured and killed in August 2011.

The National Transitional Council (NTC) had led the revolt. It now promised a pluralist, democratic state. Elections were held for an interim parliament. Liberal, secular and independent candidates beat the Muslim Brotherhood-aligned Justice and Construction Party.

Where are we now?

Libya has been unstable. Militias attack government buildings. Libyans still suffer from uneven regional development, unemployment and a lack of government transparency.

Plans for the election of a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution were announced in September 2013.

Source: Arab uprising: Country by country - Libya
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