The city of Benghazi, Libya inaugurated the events of “Benghazi, Capital of Culture for the Islamic World” on Sunday, with the presence of the Parliament- designated Prime Minister, Osama Hammad, along with several officials and delegations from various countries.
Benghazi was chosen in solidarity with the residents of Derna and the Green Mountain, both affected by deadly floods last year.
The Parliament-designated government announced that the events coincide with the city’s “successive reconstruction achievements and development in all cities.”
Benghazi was selected according to the criteria of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which stipulates that chosen cities contribute to scientific, cultural, Islamic, and historical roles. Previously, Tripoli was selected in 2007.
Celebrations were postponed due to the floods that hit cities and regions in eastern Libya last September.
The event includes 80 cultural, scientific, and artistic activities, such as theaters, festivals featuring various Libyan musical events, book and visual arts exhibitions, and intellectual seminars hosting writers and intellectuals from different Arab and Islamic countries.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
