The Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) leaders and the prime minister of the interim government have unveiled their real face and made their intentions clear towards the Amazigh people (Imazighen). In addition to the fact that Imazighen have been excluded from the new interim government, NTC Chairman Mustafa Abd-al-Jalil went as far as to accuse the Imazighen, who stage protests to denounce the Libyan government’s discrimination policies, of being "manipulated by foreigners".
For their part, Imazighen are not impressed by such accusations and they are determined to continue their struggle to the end. As the original and the legitimate inhabitants of the land, they are determined not to negotiate the status of Tamazight (Amazigh identity, culture and language) in Libya. They are opposed to the new government and have expressed their frustration by withdrawing their NTC representatives. They continue state high and loud their demands. They have denounced the Libyan government and the NTC which they dub racist. They are not willing to halt their fight as long as their voice is being ignored and before justice prevails.
The Imazighen of Libya are providing us with an inspiring example of a dogged determination in the struggle for the future of Tamazight. They are facing up to the Arab nationalists and Islamists who have no objective other than to silence and subjugate Imazighen. Are we going to abandon them ?
Being proud of our freedom, it is up to us, Imazighen, to mobilize ourselves and show our solidarity with the Imazighen of Libya. Their struggle is ours and is that of all the Amazigh people wherever they are. I am tempted to say that time has come for all Imazighen, everywhere in the Amazigh land, to rise in order to free ourselves and to bring centuries of colonization and humiliation to an end.
Masin FERKAL.

