BENGHAZI: Libya’s leader has called for unity in the North African nation as the country celebrates the second anniversary of the uprising that toppled Muammar Qaddafi.

Addressing thousands of flag-waving Libyans yesterday, Mohammed El-Megarif urged his countrymen to “join ranks and resolve our differences to build our nation.”

He also promised to fight poverty and “marginalization,” and to give Libyans extra cash to mark the occasion. He did not say how much or how the money would be distributed.

El-Megarif spoke at a rally in Benghazi.

Security forces were on high alert across Libya. Borders have been closed and some international flights suspended amid fears of a new outbreak of violence.

Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said the measures were taken to avoid “any bid to undermine Libya’s security and disrupt celebrations marking the anniversary of the revolution.”