Libya’s Lost Generation: The Bitter Fruits of Revolution

Fifteen years after Muammar Gaddafi’s ouster, Libya remains in turmoil, its future as uncertain as ever. Protests outside UN agencies and power cuts in Tripoli are symptoms of a deeper malaise – the brain drain that has seen tens of thousands of young professionals flee the country.

The stories of Sarah Mizran and Nader Elgadi, two Libyan expats who have made new lives for themselves in the UK, illustrate this trend. They left Libya during its second civil war in 2014, when fighting broke out around Tripoli’s airport. While some have returned to rebuild their country, many more have stayed on, convinced that stability and security will never be restored.

Mizran pursued a master’s degree in sustainable architecture, envisioning a future where Tripoli’s urban landscape is transformed. Elgadi founded Libya in the UK, a cultural charity aimed at preserving Libyan heritage and promoting a sense of community among expats.

The exodus of young professionals has created a leadership vacuum, with tens of thousands of highly skilled individuals stuck in bureaucratic limbo. Corruption plagues some ministries, driving away the generation that came of age after 2011. Young professionals who once had high hopes for their careers now see no future in Libya.

Libya’s governance is a travesty, with two governments vying for control and nobody interested in governing. As Megerisi put it, “Pity the nation that has two governments and nobody interested in governing.” This bleak diagnosis underscores the urgent need for reform.

Despite the dire situation, there are glimmers of hope. For Mizran and Elgadi, Libya remains an emotional homeland, even as they’ve created new lives abroad. Their stories serve as a reminder that talent is not lost forever – it can be reactivated by creating opportunities for returnees to contribute their skills and expertise.

The question is: what kind of future does Libya want? Will it continue down the path of fragmentation, with competing interest groups vying for control? Or will there be a concerted effort to rebuild institutions and restore stability?

Libya’s brain drain demands attention from policymakers and leaders in both Libya and the international community. The country teeters on the brink of collapse, and something must be done to reverse this trend and stem the loss of talent. But with whom can we entrust Libya’s future?