Libyan Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who failed to conquer Tripoli by arms, announced his presidential candidacy on December 24 on Tuesday. At 77, the former Gaddafi army officer has still not given up ruling Libya. Portrait.After attempting to seize power with cannon fire, Marshal Khalifa Haftar officially embarked on the path of democracy in Libya. Unsurprisingly, the man who is nicknamed “the strongman of the East” announced on Tuesday (November 16th) his presidential candidacy scheduled for December 24th. “I declare my candidacy for the presidential election, not because I am running after power but to lead our people in this crucial period towards glory, progress and prosperity”, launched the marshal in a speech broadcast live from Benghazi. At 77, Khalifa Haftar thus maintains his dream of playing the role of the “savior” of Libya, which had pushed him to lead, in April 2019, an offensive to seize Tripoli. In vain.