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The Compass: Libya's Revolution: Building a state

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Bob Horseman (003).jpg

15/09/2021 GMT

Building a state

Libya's Revolution

BBC World Service - The Compass, Libya's Revolution, Building a state

A decade after the end of dictatorship, can Libya expect a peaceful and democratic future?

A decade after the end of dictatorship, and with the country gearing up for planned elections at the end of this year, can Libyans expect a peaceful and democratic future?

A decade after the end of dictatorship, Libya is gearing up for planned elections at the end of this year that many hope will finally bring a peaceful and democratic future. The country is slightly more stable since the end of civil war two years ago. But despite a peace agreement, it is still effectively split in two, politically and militarily. Separate forces control the two halves of the country, backed by different foreign powers. And some think war will break out again.

BBC reporter Tim Whewell, travels around Libya to find out what progress is being made towards building a state. He visits a spectacular horse-racing event - a sign of increasing prosperity. Travel around Libya is easier now. Some armed groups have been integrated into official police and army structures. Tim visits a new government checkpoint. But he discovers many people are still terrified of militias that appear to have been "regularised" in name only.

Activists and journalists who voice opinions that armed groups dislike can be threatened, and even abducted - with courts often powerless to intervene.  One radio station which sprang up as a lively forum for debate after the revolution no longer dares to broadcast talk shows. Tim talks to a former presenter who was jailed and tortured by a militia after taking part in a young people's protest against corruption. He also interviews former interior minister Fathi Bashagha, who hopes to lead Libya after the elections. What is his plan to achieve security and justice? And what can be done to stem the rising numbers of Libyans attempting the perilous crossing of the Mediterranean, seeking a new life in Europe?

Presenter: Tim Whewell 
Producer: Bob Howard

(Photo: Traditional Libyan horseman in Misrata, Libya  Credit: BBC)

The Compass: Libya's Revolution

Why is the revolution that overthrew Libya's Col Gaddafi still unfinished, 10 years on?

How the dreams of Libya's 2011 revolutionaries turned sour. Was the overthrow of Col Gaddafi worth it?

Image: The new Libyan flag is raised during a parade in the eastern city of Benghazi to celebrate the second anniversary of Nato's first military operation in Libya on March 19, 2013 (Credit: Abdullah Doma/AFP via Getty Images)

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