Following Crown Prince Mohammed El-Senussi’s address, Libyan youth marched in Tripoli supporting the restoration of the 1951 constitution and constitutional monarchy
On 3 January, a large youth-led march took place in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, drawing participants from across the country’s political, social, and regional spectrum in a peaceful public gathering supporting national unity and the restoration of the 1951 Independence Constitution and the constitutional monarchy it established.
The march followed a national address delivered by Mohammed El Senussi on the occasion of Libya’s Independence Day, in which he encouraged young Libyans to engage constructively and peacefully in shaping the country’s future and to express their aspirations through civic participation grounded in dialogue and national cohesion. Organised by youth groups and civil society networks, the gathering proceeded in an orderly manner within the framework set by local authorities.
Participants included young men and women from across Libya’s regions, as well as representatives of minority communities and tribes. Observers noted the diversity of those attending, with youth from different political views and social backgrounds participating side by side. Women were visibly present throughout the march, alongside students, professionals, community organisers, and youth activists.
The scale of participation was widely described as significant. Many attendees carried signs, national symbols, and images of Crown Prince Mohammed El-Senussi, as well as references to Libya’s independence era. Organisers said the gathering reflected growing youth support for a return to Libya’s original constitutional framework, with the 1951 Constitution and the constitutional monarchy viewed by participants as a unifying national reference point capable of transcending political divisions.
Observers also noted that the growing youth alignment with Mohammed El-Senussi reflects a broader reassessment of Libya’s political pathways, including among regional stakeholders. Supporters argue that a return to constitutional legitimacy under a nationally unifying framework offers a more sustainable route to stability than continued reliance on confrontational approaches that have prolonged political divisions.
While the march took place under certain limitations related to public assembly, organisers said interest in attending extended well beyond those present on the day. Participants described the event as an important opportunity for young Libyans to express shared aspirations publicly and peacefully, at a time when youth engagement in civic life is increasingly visible.
The march formed part of a broader series of youth and civil society activities held in recent months. On 15 November, nearly one thousand Libyans gathered in Tripoli for the National Meeting for Unity and Peace, one of the largest public civic forums in recent years focused on dialogue and national cohesion. This was followed by a national women’s conference and a youth conference in early December, where participants discussed identity, governance, and the future role of young people in national development.
Libya has one of the youngest populations in the region, with more than half of its citizens under the age of 30. Youth unemployment, limited economic opportunities, and challenges in public services remain significant issues. Against this backdrop, recent youth-led initiatives have been widely seen as reflecting a growing desire among young Libyans to participate constructively in public life and to engage around shared national principles.
Participants and organisers emphasised that the Tripoli march was not intended as a protest, but as a constructive civic initiative aimed at highlighting unity, dialogue, and peaceful participation. They said the event demonstrated young people’s commitment to contributing positively to Libya’s stability and social cohesion.
Observers noted that the inclusive nature of the march — bringing together youth from different political orientations, regions, and communities — marked it as a notable example of cross-community engagement. Organisers said similar youth-focused civic activities and public discussions are expected to continue in the coming period as civil society groups work to expand opportunities for dialogue and participation across Libya.
