Libyans mark seven years since protests that ousted Kadhafi

Sarraj also accused countries, which he did not name, of “fuelling” the Libyan conflict and called on them to stop intervening in his homeland.

In Tripoli, Libyans thronged the central Martyrs’ Square waving the country’s red-green-black flag.

Boy scouts marched and concerts as well as fireworks were planned as part of the festivities, which were kicked off on Friday.

2/2 Children are taking part in the celebration of the 7th anniversary of #February17 revolution ?????? pic.twitter.com/Cx5cIHmT4S

— The Libya Observer (@Lyobserver) February 17, 2018

“Maybe 2018 will be a good year for Libya,” said Mohsen Ali, a civil servant, who brought his wife and two small children to Martyrs’ Square.

“We must start the year well so that good things happen,” he added.

But if some were keen on celebrating the start, seven years ago, of protests that led to the toppling and killing of Kadhafi, others took to social media to declare there was nothing worth celebrating.

Every day life is a struggle for Libyans, who face constant electricity cuts, cash shortages, a drop in the national currency and a dire public services.