Civil War of Libya-2011

 Civil War of Libya-2011

Similarly, the Tunisia and Egypt revolution, the protest started in Libya against the Muammar al-Gaddafi which ruled Libya more than 4 decades. On 15 Feb 2011 anti-government rallies were held in Benghazi by protesters, but the civil unrest started before in 2009. The war was first preceded by protestors in Zawiyah in August 2009 and then Benghazi in 2011. 

Geography and History of Libya: 

Libya is an African country that has a rich history and geography. The history of Libya comprises 6 distinct periods:  

1. Ancient Libya 
2.  Roman Libya
3. The Islamic Era
4. Ottoman Era
5. Italian Era 
6. Modern Era

Libya got official independence from British and French administration in 1951 under King Idris rule and become the United Kingdom of Libya, at the time of independence Libya is an extremely poor country but huge in size. In the manner of size and area, Libya comes a fourth number among the African states and 17 in the world. After the oil discoveries in 1961, Libyan economic condition gets better. Libya holds a world attraction because of its geography. Libya lied between Mediterranean Egypt and Tunisia, shares border with Chad and Niger from South and from South-east to Sudan.

Government of Gaddafi and causes of Protest:

The long rule of Muammar become one of the main causes of Libyan protests. Muammar came into power in 1969, through a bloodless military coup that overthrew King Idris backed by the British government. 

After many years of his rule, he invented his system of government which based and supported radical armed groups. His government presided North African most totalitarian, arbitrary, and brutal regime. He was a skilled political, manipulator playing off different tribes against each other. His government become more patronage and the tight control of Police. His government didn't give people freedom of speech, he banned all types of communications means, and banned all private enterprise (Kafala, 2011). The act of violence increasing day by day, and the greatest crime of Gaddafi was that he was the most corrupt leader. The government of Muammar based on Socialist policy, provide free education and health care but the wages were too low, the opportunities of a job for youth also lower then demands. 

In the last year of his rule, the two sons of Muammar showing their interest in Politics and the question of succession arose. One was showing and promoting the agenda of Human Rights protection and others had a powerful role in security services. It seemed to be like that they are competing with each other. 

The picture of brutality finally arose the awareness and the situation of east and west encourage Libya to take stand for themselves. Finally, on Feb the rallies held against Muammar in Benghazi.

Protest:

The protest broke out when the Human Rights lawyer Fathi Tarbel arrested by the police. The protest started and called Muammar al-Gaddafi to step down and to release the political prisoners. Initially, Libya's government forces used water cannons and rubber bullets against protestors. But the protest increased. Similarly, political unrest started in Tripoli this was a time when they used Lethal forces, gunship, warship tanks, and helicopters. The Muammar al-Gaddafi refused to step down (Britannica, 2011). The government restricted by blocking communications lines, internet service, telephone lines and use the violence which increased the protest. The full-scale revolt in Libya started on 17 Feb and by 20 Feb the protest spread to Tripoli the Capital of Libya. 

On 21 Feb the oldest son of Muammar, Saif al-Islam spoke on T.V share his feeling regarding revolt, he also admitted the government mistakes and show them concerned about the country would fragment and be replaced by 15 Islamic Fundamentalist Emirates and warned the public about the country economic wealth and show fear about the protest through quote 'river of blood' if the protest continues.  

Military and Formation of TNC:  

 The unit of Libyan army forces with weapons support the protestors and the opposite group of government. Eventually, the Rebel leadership or groups against the government in March formed the group with the name of TNC, Transitional National Council. On 27 Feb Transitional National Council TNC established under Mustafa Abdul Jalil based in Benghazi and claimed Tripoli as their capital. Hafiz Ghoga, the Human Rights Lawyer assumed as the spokesperson of Council. By March some parts of Libya had tipped from Gaddafi controls, Benghazi under TNC and Tripoli were disputed. They were succeeding in getting in control of East Libya mainly Benghazi and fighting in the Gulf of Sidra and Tripoli. TNC also getting support from the international community. 

The town of Zawiyah was bombarded by force of government by planes and tanks and seized by Jamahiriya Troops, the Armed forces of Libya under Gaddafi control. They exercising a level of brutality in Libya which not yet seen in the conflict.

International Community Help:

The level of protest subject to the involvement of the International Community because of Muammar al-Gaddafi used Helicopters and tanks against the civilian which was against the law. The international community condemn such steps of Muammar al-Gaddafi and applied to step down but Muammar al-Gaddafi refused.   Muammar al-Gaddafi also blamed the western states and Al-Qaeda that they are supporting the protestors and opposition groups who are against the Government. 

1.  Resolution of UNSC:

 United Nations Security Council and Human Rights Council condemned the crackdown as violating the International Law and passed the resolution no. 1973 that called the measures against the Muammar al-Gaddafi and the important sanctions and actions were:

• Referred the matter to International Criminal cour
•  Banned arms trade 
•  Banned arm embargo 
•  Freeze all assets of Muammar and his family
•  On 17 March UNSC authorized military take action against the Libyan regime of Muammar al-Gaddafi including the imposition of the fly zone to protest the Libyan Civilian.

2.    USA and Libya: 

 At the time of Libyan Conflict, the USA was stuck in Iraq that's why Obama didn't want to participate unilaterally in the Libyan conflict. But proposed the session in UNSC that in back Libya was a part of the French mandatory system so, France has to take care of this issue and has the right to intervene.  Also, the USA and E.U imposed sanctions and on Feb 28, the USA announced that it had frozen at least 30$ billion in Libya assets. 

3.    French Action: 

 Eventually, on 10 March France recognized TNC as an official government f Libya and treat the Council as a legitimate government.

4.    Coalitions attack:

 The coalition attack of Libya and United Nations troops assigned with their planes, cruise missile and target the Muammar al-Gaddafi based campaigns. On 27 March NATO officially took command of the military operation there were serve fighting TNC on grounds level and on NATO at aerial. 

Change in Government Muammar al-Gaddafi killed:

 On Sep 2011, the interim government of TNS formed and on Sep 16, UNSC recognized TNC. On 20, Oct Muammar was captured and killed in the Battle of Sirte by TNC forces. Aftermath TNC declared the liberation of Libya and officially war ended on 23 Oct 2011.

After the war ended, a small level of disagreement and protest continue between TNC and the loyalist of Muammar including fighting on 23 Jan 2012 and another civil war in Libya started on May 16, 2014, till present, it called the Second Civil War of Libya.

By Zainab Butt.