February 17th Revolution – February 17, 2025

History of February 17th Revolution

The conflicts that ensued when Libyans demanded a regime change have left an indelible mark on their psyche. Libya was under Italian colonial rule and became an independent nation in 1951, with Idris I becoming its first king. Idris I was a politician and religious leader whose government was unpopular because of his conservative nature. In 1969, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi overthrew King Idris I in a coup d’etat, intending to move the country to greater heights. Gaddafi ruled for four decades, making him the longest-serving leader in Libya. During his reign, all social organizations and political parties were disallowed.

In 2010, The Arab Spring — an alliance of revolutionists, agitators, and activists — unseated many rulers in Arab nations, starting in Tunisia and Egypt, where leaders gave in to the demands of the masses and willingly stepped down. However, Gaddafi displayed a stern approach to the Arab Spring’s ravaging revolution in his country. On February 15, 2011, the first protest against his government was staged in Benghazi. Several peaceful protesters who gathered in their hundreds at a police station were killed. In response to that, organizers mobilized hundreds of protesters to come out at various locations across the nation on February 17 — the day that was officially named the ‘Day of Revolt.’ Demonstrations took place at Benghazi, Darnah, Ajdabiya, Zintan, and elsewhere. Dozens of protesters were killed as Gaddafi’s security forces fired live bullets on them, an act that led to the beginning of a civil war.

Later in 2011, protesters overpowered Gaddafi’s forces, leading to his capture and execution at Sirte to mark the end of the civil war and usher in the change they craved. Elections were held in 2012 with Ali Zeidan emerging as the Prime Minister.