Innovative Political Communication in Arab Spring

During a recent visit to rebel held Eastern Libya it was observed that, necessity being the mother of invention, individuals and groups are using new techniques to convey political messages.

Under Gaddafi’s regime media was strictly controlled, internet monitored, and the pervasive snooping of the secret police a constant concern.

Since the uprising began in February 2011 the internet has been down and telephone networks seriously degraded.

Our first encounterwith the inventiveness of the Libyan rebels was in Tobruk where we attended a ‘digital diwan’. Through a series of intermediaries we were led to a secret location where a satellite connection had been jury-rigged to provide internet access for 20 young operatives. Through an array of digital forums, in English and Arabic, they were connecting with other hubs inside Libya, sharing intelligence, organising resistance, developing anti Gaddafi content, and taking their message to the world.

As we drove along the coast towards Benghazi we noticed how in each town and village along the way, tents had been erected and makeshift offices set up as focal points for the uprising. In many of these a TV had been set up, beaming Al Jazeera to rapt citizens, watching events unfold across the region.

Hung on the walls would be portraits, memorial photographs of young martyrs (always men) who had lost their lives under Gaddafi’s regime. Many looked no older than 14 or 15. A reminder of the sheer brutality of the regime and the loss of so many lives.

And everywhere we saw cartoons. These cartoonists showed technical skill, humour, and had something to say. We saw a ghoulish Gaddafi dragging off a cart containing money, barrels of oil and other ill-gotten gains. Another showed an impish character in the shape of the royal flag of the uprising, jumping victoriously on top of a slain Gaddafi.

As we continued our journey we were struck by the sheer omnipresence of the flag – the green, black and red flag of the pre Gaddafi monarchy. Millions of these flags have been smuggled in, made by local tailors, and stitched together wherever materials could be found. And daubed on walls.

And as we passed through Brega we saw giant graffiti, in letters two feet high, declaring ‘Libya is For Everyone’, ‘Extremism is Not Accepted’, ’No to Qaeda’ and ‘Libya is a Unified Country’, and ‘Tripoli is Our Capital’.

Here is a country undergoing the ruptures of a war for freedom and for many, survival. The challenges are immense. But it is clear, that out of the turmoil is emerging a new expression. A new mode of communication. A liberated voice. And it is just beginning.