Libya commemorates the 73rd anniversary of its independence on Tuesday, December 24, a milestone overshadowed by the country's persistent political fragmentation.
The day marks the 1951 declaration of independence by King Idris al-Senussi, following decades of Italian occupation and resistance led by the iconic Omar al-Mukhtar.
King Idris's declaration from the Manar Palace in Benghazi, referencing a United Nations resolution, marked the culmination of a long struggle. The legacy of Omar al-Mukhtar is regularly evoked during Independence Day celebrations.
Despite the shared historical significance, Libya's ongoing political division prevented a unified national observance.
Both the rival governments in Tripoli and Benghazi declared December 24 an official holiday, issuing statements and receiving congratulatory messages from several heads of state.