Barqa: Libya’s historical regional divisions have significantly influenced its current instability, with each region marked by unique ethnic makeups, colonial experiences, and political developments.
According to Global Voices, Cyrenaica, known for its capital Benghazi, is historically the most Arab and tribally oriented of Libya’s regions. It shares cultural and linguistic ties with Egypt and Sudan. During World War II, Cyrenaica came under British military administration following the defeat of Italian forces by the Allied powers. Fezzan, geographically linked more closely to the Sahel than the Mediterranean, borders Niger, Chad, and Algeria. Historically neglected by centralized rulers in Tripoli, Fezzan faces challenges like underdevelopment, human trafficking, and foreign interference.
Tripolitania, with its capital Tripoli, is the smallest region by area but the most densely populated. During the Italian colonial era, Tripolitania aligned closely with Rome and played a significant role in suppressing local anti-colonial resistance. Historical records show Tripolitanian leaders’ collaboration with Italian Fascists, including religious endorsements encouraging local fighters to join Italian militias. In 1937, Benito Mussolini was honored by a Libyan delegation, which included notable religious figures, in a ceremony designed to fabricate indigenous support for colonial rule and counter the Senussi resistance in Cyrenaica.
In 1951, with support from the United Nations, a federal union was established under King Idris I, uniting the three regions under the name Libya. However, federalism was abolished in 1963, leading to centralization of power in Tripoli, causing resentment in the east. In 1969, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s coup further entrenched centralized authority, marginalizing Cyrenaica and Fezzan politically and economically.
The 2011 revolution, inspired by the Arab Spring, resulted in Gaddafi’s downfall but reignited historical grievances. Rival governments emerged, exacerbating the civil war and reviving Libya’s historical regional identities. Cyrenaica called for federalism restoration, Fezzan demanded local governance control, while Tripolitania remained fragmented with competing militias.
Recent clashes in Tripoli among rival armed groups vying for control over state institutions and resources have only deepened the crisis. National elections remain elusive despite UN efforts. Experts argue that the crisis stems from ignoring Libya’s pre-1951 history, regionalism, and complex identity. The collapse of the central state has revived regional consciousness, transforming the conflict into a multidimensional struggle over identity, governance, and historical justice.