Libya's transitional leaders have named a new cabinet to take over the reins of the nation as it prepares to declare the liberation struggle over. That declaration of victory will come once Sirte, the former stronghold of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, falls to transition forces.
The struggle in Libya has been bloody and destructive, casting the North African nation into chaos and strife for the past eight months. Since the revolt began in Benghazi in February, the nation has been ripped apart as Libyans fought for their freedom after 42 years of repression and tyranny.
While the new cabinet largely reflects the make-up of the former transitional council, it faces a daunting future. Libya's infrastructure is in desperate need of investment and redevelopment. Its bridges are decrepit, its highways shoddy. Only the infrastructure related to its oil and petroleum industries remain largely unaffected — a big advantage given the light, sweet nature of its product.
The new cabinet expects to have elections in eight months. This needs to happen and, as seen in Egypt, there must be no delays in ensuring a free and fair vote representing all — and one which is monitored by international observers. It must develop a constitution and method of governing.
In his four decades of ruling Libya, Gaddafi eliminated all opposition and removed diverse voices from society, prohibiting political discourse. The only thing uniting Libyans now is their willingness to see Gaddafi gone.
Now that his tyranny has ended, the real job of nation-building begins for all Libyans. What role do the former administrators have in building the new Libya? How is justice to be administered? How can the rights of all be respected? And how will the wealth that Gaddafi squirrelled away overseas be used to build a new and vibrant Libya?
The war may be over, the work begins.
