A Libyan Youth

I’m reading about a Libyan youth who has been made famous in recent times due to the influence of Internet (especially twitter). #TawfikBensaud

Tawfik Bensaud was 15 when he started his pro-democracy activism online in Benghazi, in the early days of Libya's 2011 revolution. He was 18 when he was gunned down for his views.

Here’s an eulogy about him from someone who not only knew him but also his good work

Despite his very young age, I saw a very charismatic young man, full of joy and good humour. He was very different to boys his age. He was very energetic. He showed strong interest in making positive change within his society in Libya. He was an activist, a reporter, a blogger and a great debater. Tawfik was almost engaged in everything. He was a member of many Libyan NGOs. He was member of the Committee of Supporting Women in Decision Making, a member in Bokra youth organization, a member in Benghazi El kher (or Benghazi Good) project, he was a board member of Mercy Human Rights foundation, a member of the Libyan debates club and many more. I certainly saw a young man with a sharp vision equipped with leadership skills.

Three weeks ago, on 19th of September 2014, Tawfik and his friend Sami were both assassinated in Benghazi, a city in the East of Libya. Since the 2011 Uprising, Libya has been experiencing instability and continuous violence. Many activists, journalists and members of the legal community were threatened, abducted or assassinated.

She continues to describe the chaos and violence in Libya.

Almost everything in current Libya is enforced by violence. Many political decisions and laws were enforced by violence. While violence seemed to be the only language spoken and practiced in Libya, Tawfik was a firm believer in the language of peace. This is illustrated in his written work published online. He enjoyed taking part in debates. People who know him well would tell you that Tawfik was an eloquent speaker who constructed his arguments coherently.

He’s definitely someone the youth can look up too. Sadly, he died very young.

References

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-30096283

http://www.uk.upf.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=713:the-3-leadership-lessons-i-learned-from-tawfik-bensaud&catid=36:peace-and-development&Itemid=58