Thousands of angry Libyan demonstrators have taken to the streets in several cities to protest against the lack of security across the North African country.

Thousands of angry Libyan demonstrators have taken to the streets in several cities to protest against the lack of security across the North African country.

On Friday, the protesters gathered outside the Mosque of al-Shohada (Martyrs) in the capital Tripoli, accused the National Congress, the country's highest authority and the interim government of failing to restore the security.

Anti-government rallies were also held in the volatile city of Benghazi in eastern Libya. A civil disobedience campaign has also started in the city against security deterioration.

"We give the National Congress and the interim government one week to take serious steps to re-establish security in the city or we will withhold all revenues from state institutions and channel them into boosting security," media outlets quoted head of Benghazi's local council Mahmoud Burziza as saying.

More than two years after the fall of long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi, the country is still grappling with rising insecurity.

The city of Benghazi in particular, which has been the birthplace of the 2011 uprising, has seen frequent attacks by militias and armed groups on Libyan government officials and foreign interests.

Tunisia is one of the last states still with a diplomatic mission in Benghazi, as most countries have left the Libyan city due to security reasons.

The country’s former rebels refuse to lay down arms, despite efforts by the central government to impose law and order.