United Kingdom: Navigating Uncertainty

Photo Credit Custos Group

History is important across the Middle East and North Africa and Libya is no exception. The graves of over 10,000 British soldiers, airmen and sailors in Tripoli, Benghazi and Tobruk pay testament to the British military’s role in the Second World War in North Africa. And the fact that those cemeteries are beautifully preserved and respected also pays testament to the lasting memories for Libyans of the sacrifices made by the British during that conflict.

Historical ties between the two nations endured following the establishment of the Kingdom of Libya when Libya won its independence on 24 December 1951. The United Kingdom supported the Libyan state during this period when oil revenues were low and the administration of the country needed support.

That relationship collapsed in 1969 when Gaddafi came to power in a bloodless coup. Despite spending 9 months of military training in England, Gaddafi had no affection for Britain. He moved quickly to demand the removal of British (and American) military bases, nationalized the hydrocarbon concessions of British Petroleum and withdrew approximately 550 million U.S. Dollars invested in British banks. Gaddafi’s association with Soviet Russia and support for Arab nationalism also conflicted with British policy during the Cold War.

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