Benghazi: The 74th anniversary of Libya's independence marks a significant moment of reflection on the long struggle and nation-building journey that culminated in the birth of the independent Libyan state. On December 24, 1951, King Idris Al-Sanusi declared Libya's independence from the balcony of Al-Manar Palace in Benghazi, ending decades of occupation and struggle.
According to Libyan News Agency, Allam Al-Fallah, head of the History Department at the Faculty of Arts, University of Benghazi, emphasized that this declaration was not just a political formality but the result of a prolonged struggle marked by bloodshed, displacement, and resilience. The roots of this struggle trace back to the Italian invasion of Libya on October 5, 1911, which led to nearly thirty years of fierce national resistance.
Al-Fallah noted that the Libyan resistance was initially led by Commander Ahmed al-Sharif al-Sanusi and later by the martyr Sheikh Omar al-Mukhtar, along with other national leaders. Their efforts were not limited to armed resistance but extended to political and intellectual endeavors through a series of national conferences aimed at unifying and solidifying Libya's national position.
The martyrdom of Sheikh Omar al-Mukhtar in 1931 marked a turning point, leading Prince Idris al-Sanusi and Libyan exiles to intensify political activities during World War II. Libyans allied with the Allied forces, contributing to the North African campaigns and the victory at the Battle of El Alamein in 1943, which played a crucial role in the region's political reconfiguration.
Post-war, Libyan political parties and organizations emerged, demanding independence and national unity. These efforts culminated in bringing the Libyan issue to the League of Arab States and the United Nations, resulting in UN Security Council Resolution 289 on November 21, 1949, which called for Libya's independence by January 1, 1952.
Al-Fallah highlighted the swift actions taken by Libyans to implement the international resolution, forming the Committee of Twenty-One and the National Constituent Assembly. The advanced federal constitution drafted by these bodies laid the legal foundation for the newly independent state.
Concluding, Al-Fallah stressed that Libya's independence was not a gift but the result of the people's sacrifices and determination. He called for the commemoration of this anniversary to reinforce national unity and safeguard the country's sovereignty.