Because of Europe’s anxiety towards African refugees, the Libyan conflict has largely been framed as a European problem. But what is its African context?
In 2008, Libya was hosting an African Union summit, and its dictator Muammar Gaddafi, sporting a robe and wraparound sunglasses, was on stage to be declaredThe bizarre show in which Gaddafi called for borderless African unity with a common army and currency, was a representation of his nostalgic Pan-African anti-imperialist credentials that made many African heads of state grimace.
For years Gaddafi harboured Sudanese militants like JEM leader Khalil Ibrahim in Libya and the Sudanese government repeatedly claimed that Libyan trucks, equipment, arms, ammunition and money were used against the Sudanese army. The relations between the two countries improved only when Tripoli and N’Djamena reached an agreement where Deby allowed Gaddafi to increase his influence in exchange for the political and economic support of his regime.
Starting in the 1970s, by offering huge salaries, homes and cars with oil money, Gaddafi recruited impoverished Tuaregs as mercenaries under his command. From Lebanon to Niger and Mali, they fought for Gaddafi for decades and became a vital asset for Libya’s projection of power in the region. As Libya’s civil war has pumped a massive amount of weapons and men into the region, the volatile mix of militias, cross-border criminals, smugglers and militants linked with Al Qaeda and Daesh are only expanding.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rockets target Libya airport ahead of peace talks in AlgeriaMitiga airport authorities said late on Wednesday they were suspending air traffic 'until further notice' after Haftar's spokesman threatened to attack planes flying over the city.
Read more »
No country to send military to Libya while truce lasts - CavusogluTurkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said nobody would send any additional advisers or troops or mercenaries from any neighbouring countries to Libya as long as the truce is observed.
Read more »
The Turkey and Algeria rapprochement on Libya, explainedAlgiers and Ankara boosted their diplomatic ties by signalling cooperation on the Libyan crisis, while the former fears Libya’s unrest may spill over into its territory.
Read more »
Kate Upton Clarifies 'Context' of Recent Comments on Breastfeeding 'Sucking the Energy' from HerKate Upton urged fellow new moms on Wednesday to 'allow your body time to heal and make sure to go at your own pace'
Read more »
The Turkey and Algeria rapprochement on Libya, explainedAlgiers and Ankara boosted their diplomatic ties by signalling cooperation on the Libyan crisis, while the former fears Libya’s unrest may spill over into its territory.
Read more »