Cyrenaica

Abstract

Chapter 3 examines the separatist conflict in Cyrenaica, eastern Libya. With the central government effectively moribund, federalists sought to take over ports and oil facilities in the east. Federalists in Libya made direct reference to the emirate of Cyrenaica and demand the restitution of autonomies enjoyed prior to the Qaddafi era. Libyan federalists faced opposition not only from the central government, which deemed federalists’ seizure of power illegal, but also from Islamist factions that took root in many eastern cities. Federalist forces fought against these groups and gained control over oil resources. The federalists, therefore, appealed to the international community for support on the basis of their potential to stabilize a country in disarray.