Why is Libya so lawless?

Date:

8/2/2016

Time:

11:06:21

Source:

BBC News

Content:

Libya has been beset by chaos since Nato-backed forces overthrew long-serving ruler Col Muammar Gaddafi in October 2011. Western powers are now becoming increasingly concerned that so-called Islamic State (IS) has built a presence in the North African state and the US has responded by launching air strikes on the militant group. Only Libyas myriad armed militias really wield power - and it is felt they often hold the politicians they supposedly back to ransom. During the uprising, anyone with a gun could command respect, and lots of armed groups emerged - up to 1,700, according to some estimates. There are two rival parliaments and three governments - the latest government was formed in UN-brokered talks in December with the aim of replacing the other two. But this initiative is still on the rocks, partly because of concerns that the new government is being imposed by Western powers. The oil-rich country once had one of the highest standards of living in Africa with free healthcare and free education, but five years on from the uprising it is facing a financial crisis. This turmoil has allowed IS to gain a foothold in the country. Top IS leaders take refuge in Libya It is feared an IS "enclave" in and around the city of Sirte, the birthplace of Gaddafi, is providing a safe haven for jihadists to train, fund and plan attacks across the Mediterranean. Some security analysts describe Libya as an arms bazaar. It is awash with weapons looted from Gaddafis arsenal - making an ideal playground for jihadists fleeing air strikes in Syria and Iraq. It has been attacking Libyan oil facilities, has kidnapped several foreign oil workers and last year was behind two high-profile attacks on Tunisias tourism industry - carried out by gunmen trained in Libya. Tunisia has built a partial security barrier and trench along its border with Libya aimed at preventing further atrocities. Beheadings and racial tension: Life under Islamic State How ISs Libya foothold threatens UK The US has admitted to carrying out three air strikes in Libya since 2015 - the latest one was on 1 August, in Sirte. It is the beginning of what will be a sustained air campaign that officials say will be limited to the city, to help local anti-IS forces uproot the group. The UK and France also have special forces operating in the North African state - the nature and extent of these operations have largely been secretive. Three French soldiers died in July 2016 when their helicopter was shot down by militiamen who identified themselves as belonging to a new militant group called Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB). Earlier this year, plans were also afoot to send 6,000 troops from a number of Nato countries, including the UK and France, to Libya to train local troops in stopping IS-linked groups from gaining more territory and to provide security to diplomatic missions who are looking to move back to the capital. However, the new unity government now appears reluctant to openly allow or request such a presence and it is not clear if this will happen. All this comes amid an admission by US President Barack Obama, in an interview published in April, that the "worst mistake" of his presidency was the failure to prepare for the aftermath of Col Gaddafis overthrow. Mr Obama partly blamed then-UK Prime Minister David Cameron for "the mess", saying he had not done enough to support the North African nation whose instability was threatening its neighbours and was a factor in Europes migrant crisis. The Libyans gaining ground on IS Parliamentary elections held in 2014 were disputed. Those who held power refused to give it up and remained in the capital, Tripoli. The newly elected parliament then moved to the port of Tobruk, 1,000km (620 miles) away and it set up a rival government. This parliament still has the official backing of the UN as Libyas official legislative body - despite the fact that it is opposed to the new unity administration as it wants Gen Khalifa Haftar, who is leading the battle against Islamist militias, to keep a senior role in a future army, something the UN agreement does not guarantee. The UN-mediated deal for a unity government has seen the formation of a nine-member Presidency Council, led by Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj. He arrived in Tripoli in March to set up his administration and has been trying to win the support of the various militias and politicians, but it has little real power over the whole country. An engineer by profession, Mr Sarraj approved the 1 August US air strike on suspected IS positions in Sirte, in the first co-ordinated military action between his government and the US. Has Libya pulled back from the brink? They were united in their hatred for Gaddafi - but nothing more. There was no single group in charge of the rebellion. Militias were based in different cities, fighting their own battles. They are also ideologically divided - some of them are militant or moderate Islamists, others are secessionists or monarchists and yet others are liberals. Furthermore, the militias are split along regional, ethnic and local lines, making it a combustible mix. And after more than four decades of authoritarian rule, they had little understanding of democracy. So, they were unable to forge compromises and build a new state based on the rule of law. My search for Gaddafis golden gun East and central: West: Guide to Libyas militias Profile: Khalifa Haftar Rogue general divides Libyans Oil production has nearly ground to a halt, banks are strapped for cash and hospitals are running out of medicine. An estimated 400,000 Libyans are also internally displaced. In IS areas, strict Islamic law is implemented and the group has carried out crucifixions and beheadings. In April 2015, its fighters killed more than 30 migrant workers, most of them Ethiopian Christians. Control and crucifixions: Life in Libya under IS

Orignial Link :

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-24472322

crawlTime:

9/13/2016 8:57:33 PM