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Libya
Relations with Sub-Saharan Africa
Libya's very active interest in sub-Saharan Africa has been directed
toward isolating Israel diplomatically, liberating African countries
under colonial or apartheid regimes, providing economic aid to
developing African countries, and propagating Islam. During 1972
and 1973, through bilateral relations and membership in the OAU,
Libya and other Arab states successfully reversed Israel's formerly
strong diplomatic position in Africa. Qadhafi drew a parallel
between Israeli occupation of Arab territory and colonialism in
Africa and frequently offered significant economic assistance
to countries that would sever ties with Israel. By November 1973,
twenty-seven African governments had broken relations with Israel,
many declaring their support for the PLO in the process.
Libya also has supported numerous black African independence
movements, although the extent and nature of the support have
not always been clear. Libyan support apparently was significant
for Angola (where aid was first extended to Holden Roberto's National
Front for the Liberation of Angola, and only later to Agostinho
Neto's Movement for the Liberation of Angola, which defeated Roberto's
group in a civil war), Guinea-Bissau, and Mozambique in their
struggles against Portuguese colonialism. Libya continued to contribute
funds to liberation efforts throughout 1978. Some sources report
that nationalist guerrillas of both Zimbabwe and Namibia have
received direct Libyan aid.
For some time, Libya has had a special, if not always smooth,
relationship with Uganda. Libya supported the government of Idi
Amin in exchange for Uganda's severance of relations with Israel.
(A particularly close bilateral relationship had existed between
Israel and the Ugandan regime Amin overthrew in 1971.) Libya came
to Uganda's assistance in 1972, and again in 1978, when it airlifted
troops and supplies, thus demonstrating a certain degree of logistical
capability. The aid proved militarily futile, however, as Libyan
troops were routed quickly. For a brief period, the deposed Idi
Amin found asylum in Tripoli.
Data as of 1987
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