Thousands of Libyans gathered in Tripoli on Friday, May 10, 2013 to rally support for the legitimacy of state institutions and to force the armed militias cordoning off the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and Ministry of Justice since April 28, to lift the siege, withdraw and hand over the ministries back to the government.

The protest, called “Saving Libya Friday,” began in Algeria Square in downtown Tripoli and was thronged with protestors who came from Tripoli as well as from other cities, before heading towards the MoFA headquarters besieged by armed militias.

Thousands of Libyans gathered in Tripoli on Friday, May 10, 2013 to rally support for the legitimacy of state institutions and to force the armed militias cordoning off the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and Ministry of Justice since April 28, to lift the siege, withdraw and hand over the ministries back to the government.

The protest, called “Saving Libya Friday,” began in Algeria Square in downtown Tripoli and was thronged with protestors who came from Tripoli as well as from other cities, before heading towards the MoFA headquarters besieged by armed militias.

Protesters managed to peacefully exert pressure on the rebels for several hours. Many ministers were present to declare their support of the protest and to affirm their representation as the legitimate governing authority. 

The persistent demonstrators were ultimately able to force the militias to withdraw and the ministries headquarters were given back to a committee of the General National Congress.