OUSSAMA-BOUGHRARA

"In the eight months following the revolution the fishing trade slowed down considerably, and so we were focused exclusively on protecting the fishing harbour. I gathered together young men from nearby neighbourhoods and formed an armed group of around 40. Our main goal was to protect the merchandise from theft in the absence of the police, and we never hesitated, as it was our duty as citizens. Strategically, Benghazi was important during the revolution. We helped many thousands of Chinese workers escape via the port, which was also the point of passage for sending weapons and other supplies to Misrata. We also helped to moor cargo ships that were transporting petrol to pro-Gaddafi zones. Since the countries liberation, I'm in charge of around 300 men who are paid to ensure the protection of the Benghazi'€™s harbour and customs control under the authority of the Ministry of Defense. It's all quite ironic considering that before the revolution, I refused to carry out my military service!"