What is going on in Africa? Just a few weeks ago Egypt’s uprising was a big topic in the news as the people succeeded in removing the dictator. Inspired by the neighboring country's move, Libya is now having a protest. These protests against the government and old culture are influencing both Africa and Middle East area, especially the countries with monarchies. Since those areas can affect global politics and the economy, the whole world is carefully watching them.
Only a few years ago, dictators were able to control media and information. They could block foreign news so that their citizens wouldn’t know about the outside world. However, with advanced technologies and social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter, dictators couldn't stop people from gaining access to the news. When Africans heard about what was going on in neighboring countries and how successful it was, uprisings grew like fire.
Libya, an oil-rich nation in North Africa, has been under the control of Muammar el-Qaddafi since he seized power in 1969. But, in February 2011, the unrest sweeping through much of the Arab world hit this country with protests beginning on February 15th. The Economist described the events as an "uprising that is trying to reclaim Libya from the world's longest-ruling autocrat."
On March 4th, Qaddafi's government widened its counterattack on its rebel opponents. The government began to wage fierce battles to gain control of the town of Zawiya, which is located only 30 miles west of the capital and is currently controlled by rebel troops. At least 35 people were reported dead, more than 100 wounded and 65 missing in Zawiya. A witness told CNN, “Civilians were killed but we cannot say how many. We buried nine people so far" he added, "The attack was indescribable. Direct gunfire was opened on people."
On the other side of the world, people are giving up their lives for freedom that we don't even realize that we have because we take it for granted.
By Yoha Lee
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