15 Nov 2024        14:52:21 pm

International Relations

Libya

Tags : Libya

Topic: Africa

Why in the news?

• A boat carrying 13 Egyptian migrants to Europe has capsized off Libya\'s coast, killing all on board except for one person. The boat capsized 60 km. east of the city of Tobruk.

Source: The Times of India

About Libya:

• It is a country located in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north.
• It shares its borders with:
  • Egypt to the east
  • Sudan to the southeast
  • Chad and Niger to the south
  • Algeria to the west
  • Tunisia to the northwest
• Its capital city is Tripoli, located on the country\'s northwestern coast. Other major cities include Benghazi, Misrata, and Sabha
• The city of Leptis Magna, a Roman archaeological site, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Historical background:
  • Libya was under Ottoman rule for centuries and became an Italian colony in the early 20th century.
  • After World War II, Libya gained independence in 1951 and became a monarchy under King Idris.
  • In 1969, Muammar Gaddafi led a coup that ousted King Idris and established a socialist government.
    • His rule was characterized by authoritarianism, unconventional policies, and control over the country\'s vast oil resources. The country went through periods of international isolation and conflict during his rule.
  • In 2011, Libya became a focal point of the Arab Spring uprisings. 
    • Protests against Gaddafi\'s regime led to a violent conflict, with Western military intervention. Gaddafi was eventually captured and killed, leading to a power vacuum and instability.
  • After Gaddafi\'s fall, Libya struggled with governance issues, the rise of militias, and tribal divisions. It split into multiple factions, with the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in the west and the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by General Khalifa Haftar in the east.
• Libya possesses significant oil reserves, making oil exports a crucial component of its economy. However, political instability and conflicts have often disrupted oil production and exports.
• It is home to diverse ethnic and tribal groups, including Arab-Berber.

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