Libya Independence Day – December 24, 2024

History of Libya Independence Day

On December 24, 1951, Libya gained independence from its colonial masters, France and Britain. This came after the U.N. General Assembly decreed in 1949 that Libya become independent on or before the first day of 1952. Before independence, Libya had been under various regimes, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, Italians, and finally, France and Britain.

Libya became an Italian colony in 1912, following the war between the Ottoman empire and Italy from September 29, 1911, to October 18, 1912. However, Italy lost control of Libya after its defeat in World War II. The United Nations organization then took over the country and control was divided between Britain and France. Lybia then became known as the United Kingdom of Libya, also unifying the three Libyan provinces of Cyrenaica, Fezzan, and Tripolitania at the same time. King Idris al-Sanusi subsequently became king.

Muammar Gaddafi led a coup d’état that ousted the sitting king on September 1, 1969. This led to the establishment of the Libyan Arab Republic, and this date was recognized instead of December 24.

However, after the demise of Gaddafi in 2011, Libya Independence Day was reinstated as a national holiday. It commemorates the independence of Libya from its colonial masters.

Libya Independence Day is a national holiday in Libya. Thus, schools and public offices are usually closed on the day to allow the people to celebrate their independence from colonial rule. Nationwide celebrations are usually observed for the day, along with parades and fireworks.