On Saturday, the mayors of Libya’s Amazigh municipalities condemned an attack on their flag and held Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi responsible for failing to prevent it. They called on the Attorney General to take immediate action, arrest those involved, and bring them to justice.
In a joint statement, the mayors of Zuwara, Jadu, Kabaw, Nalut, Al-Qalaa, Yefren, and Wazen described the act as a deliberate provocation designed to incite division and undermine national unity. They denounced the desecration of the Amazigh flag, which they say represents their identity, history, and culture.
The statement criticised the Interior Ministry for failing to intervene, despite the presence of security forces at the scene. The mayors accused the authorities of negligence and demanded accountability from the government.
They reaffirmed their commitment to Libya’s unity and rejected any attempt to destabilize the country. They warned that such actions threaten social peace and deepen mistrust between different communities. They pledged to stand firm in protecting their rights and preserving Libya’s stability.
The Amazigh people are one of Libya’s oldest indigenous communities, primarily residing in the Nafusa Mountains, Zuwara, and parts of the south. Under Muammar Gaddafi’s rule, their language and culture were heavily repressed, and they were denied recognition as a distinct ethnic group.
Following the 2011 uprising, the Amazigh community pushed for greater political and cultural rights, demanding official recognition of their language and fair representation in government. However, their demands have largely been ignored, and tensions with state authorities have persisted.
The Amazigh boycotted the constitutional drafting process, arguing that it failed to guarantee their rights. They have also faced repeated political and social discrimination, fueling frustration and a growing sense of exclusion.
The Amazigh flag has become a powerful symbol of their struggle for recognition. Attacks on it are seen as direct provocations, deepening their distrust toward the central government. Many in the Amazigh community view this latest incident as part of a broader pattern of marginalization.
If the Libyan authorities fail to act, this incident could further escalate tensions. The government’s response will be closely watched, as inaction could lead to stronger demands for self-governance and increased divisions within Libya.
