Even before they arrived at the podium front of the courthouse, French flags along with British and Libyan ones, were waved high as the crowds chanted Sarkozy’s name again and again. Others constantly cheered and clapped. Posters proclaimed “Thank you France,” and “Thank you Sarkozy”.

Initially, the crowds were few — so few that an official asked those present to phone their families and friends to come. “Sarkozy might feel snubbed,” he said. In fact the reason there were so few people, apart from journalists — this was pointed out to him — was that while people in Benghazi knew the two men were coming they had been advised to stay away. Nor did anyone know when they were to appear. But by the time the leaders arrived the crowd had thickened out considerably.

When they actually appeared, accompanied by the Libyan National Transitional Council leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil and NTC Vice Chairman Abdul Hafeedh Ghoga and Oil Minister Ali Tarhuni, the crowds went wild. The cheering and clapping became intense. So was the push. One women standing nearby was so overcome with emotion that she almost fainted and had to be helped away. “One-Two-Three, Sarkozy merci”, the crowds shouted in bilingual praise. Rarely, if ever, can the French president, or even the British prime minister, have experienced such fervent acclaim by a crowd. It was the sort of reception that most politicians can only dream about. But the adoration of the Libyans was totally genuine. During the brief speeches, so loud was the cheering that it was difficult to hear what anyone had to say. The Libyans did not mind. Sarkozy and Cameron were their heroes, their presence an international benediction on their revolution. Such was the intensity of the crowd’s enthusiasm that cries of “Alahu Akbar” intermixed with praise for France and the UK. It must have been a first for both Sarkozy and Cameron.

Jalil thanked them for their support. Speaking first, and barely audibly above the chants which had changed to “Cameron, Cameron” as the British prime minister told the crowd that their fight had been “an inspiration” to the world. “You chose freedom.” It had not been anyone else’s decision. It was “your revolution”, he told them. “You showed the world you chose freedom. He said they had been like “lions”.  “We salute your courage.”

It was then Sarkozy’s turn to speak, again barely audibly above the frenzied and ceaseless cheering and chanting. “You wanted peace, you wanted freedom” he said, and France, Britain and others in Europe had heard that cry. He too praised their courage. He praised their efforts at reconciliation. “Vive Benghazi”, he ended, “Vive la Libye!” The crowds loved it.

And then they were gone, whisked away in helicopters to the airport to fly back home along with the retinue of reporters brought along for the event.

According to Zuhair Barasi of Libya TV, the difference in the evident public acclaim of the French and British leaders is down to the fact that people in Benghazi believe that the French were the first to bomb Qaddafi’s forces and protect the city.

Unfortunately for the French president, facing election next year, Libyans will not be voting and, other than the hardened journalists flown in to cover the event, few French voters appeared to be present at the triumph.