Op Ed: Misrata and Tawargha
Misrata and Tawargha’s history is a long one. The town of Tawargha was until recently classed as a part of the city of Misrata. In the 1800s most of the area was owned by the Maayuf family from Misrata whose main business was slave trade. With the abolition of slavery, Tawargha became a home to the many brought in from across sub-Saharan Africa. Geologically, Tawargha’s earth is known to be of great quality, some of the best in the country, and the town was famous for its countless channels and palm trees. Misrata on the other hand is mostly urban with the majority of the population concentrated in the centre. Tawargha was always a part of the Misrata City Council, until they protested this during Jaloud’s visit to the town. Tawargha sought for their own council, but since the town is too small they became a part of the Beni Walid City Council. It was not long till they were protesting for a return to the Misrata City Council, which they were soon granted. Within the city of Misrata council flats were built specifically for the people of Tawargha, as well as a number of families who also moved into the city.
Socially, the people of Tawargha were as much a part of Misrata as any other neighbouring town. They were with us in every occasion, happy and sad. They were invited into our homes like family and were treated as so. From personal experience, I can honestly say they were a cherished part of Misrata’s community; some have been family friends since before my mother can remember.
On the first day of demonstrations in Misrata, peaceful, unarmed protesters were met with tear gas and batons, then the same night, bullets. Because the numbers of the protesters were so large, the ‘police force’ and wealthy Gaddafi beneficiaries allegedly paid those living in the council estates, from Tawargha, to help quell the protests. Misrata is a tight city, everyone knows everyone, and immediately a list of those who participated in the attack on the protesters was sent to the families in the town of Tawargha. By the second day, the ‘police force’ had surrendered their weapons and ran. The Tawargha council estates were also empty. On the third day we had heard that Tawargha had sent back a list of Gaddafi supporters that the town would disown, and that they were prepared to help defend the city from the oncoming Gaddafi brigades. 2 days later, that proved to be false when Gaddafi’s forces were able to penetrate the city from the east, from Tawargha.
http://feb17.info/editorials/op-ed-misrata-and-tawargha/
The original link has disappeared - and I am somewhat embarrassed to put this link up because of the vile comments of one poster who is beyond normal. I think he is nuts.
= new reply since forum marked as read
