1977 expulsion of Egyptians from Libya

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1977 expulsion of Egyptians from Libya
Date1 July 1977
LocationLibya
MotiveTo expel all Egyptians living in Libya
PerpetratorLibya Libyan Arab Republic
Organized byMuammar Gaddafi
Outcome225,000 Egyptians expelled from Libya

The expulsion of Egyptians from Libya took place amid rising tensions between Egypt and Libya. Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi accused Egypt of planning an invasion to seize Libyan oil fields. This accusation led to the mass expulsion of Egyptians from Libya. With a deadline of 1 July 1977, nearly all Egyptians living in Libya were forced to leave the country or risk arrest.

Background[edit]

In the 1970s, Muammar Gaddafi pursued a policy of Arab unity. This culminated in the formation of the Federation of Arab Republics (FAR) in 1972, between Egypt and Syria. However, despite initial ambitions for a unified military force, the FAR largely achieved only symbolic gestures of cooperation.[1]

Gaddafi particularly sought unity with Egypt, but Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's interest waned over time. Personal animosity also developed between the two leaders. Gaddafi envisioned leveraging Libya's financial resources alongside Egypt's military strength to eliminate Israel. However, the 1973 Yom Kippur War, launched by Egypt and Syria without Libyan involvement, proved a turning point. Sadat's decision to negotiate a ceasefire with Israel for the return of the Sinai Peninsula angered Gaddafi, who viewed the war objectives as too limited. This disagreement led to a sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries.[2][3] Gaddafi then resorted to pressuring Egypt by periodically expelling Egyptian migrant workers from Libya.[4]

Expulsion[edit]

In 1977, Egyptian-Libyan relations deteriorated significantly. Muammar Gaddafi's government expelled over 200,000 Egyptians living in Libya, accusing Egypt of plotting to seize Libyan oil fields.[5][6] The Egyptians were given an ultimatum: leave Libya by 1 July 1977, or face arrest.[7][8][9]

Aftermath[edit]

Gaddafi launched a full-scale military invasion of Egypt, resulting in the capture and destruction of Sallum.[10] In retaliation, President Sadat launched a counteroffensive aimed at retaking lost territory and potentially occupying parts of Libya. The conflict ultimately reached a stalemate, with a ceasefire agreement that restored the pre-war borders.[11]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Howe, Marvine (7 August 1977). The Battle With Egypt May Have Won Him New Sympathy Among Arabs. The New York Times. p. E5.
  2. ^ Benjamin, Milton R. (1 August 1977). Arab vs. Arab. Newsweek. p. 29.
  3. ^ El Gohary, Mayada (16 February 2015). من السادات للسيسي.. نسور الشرق تدك معاقل الإرهاب في ليبيا ثأرًالشهداء الوطن.. اللواء حداد: قرار صائب وعقاب رادع للخسة.. سويلم: السيسي يثأر لكرامة مصر وليبيا [From Sadat to Sisi.. The Eagles of the East destroy strongholds of terrorism in Libya in revenge for the nation's martyrs.. Major General Haddad: A correct decision and a deterrent punishment for meanness.. Sweilem: Sisi avenges the dignity of Egypt and Libya]. Archived from the original on 13 August 2016.
  4. ^ Hüsken, Thomas (2018). Tribal politics in the borderland of Egypt and Libya. Palgrave series in African borderlands studies. Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 978-3-319-92342-0.
  5. ^ "Egypt Libya War 1977". www.onwar.com. Retrieved 2024-04-04.
  6. ^ Ali, Mostafa (23 August 2011). "Egypt celebrates Libyan revolution victory".
  7. ^ Mckenna, Amy (2011). The History of Northern Africa. Britannica Educational Publishing. ISBN 9781615303977.
  8. ^ "The Egypt-Libya Border War of 1977". historyguy.com. Retrieved 2024-04-04.
  9. ^ AbdulHamid, Ashraf (3 August 2014). "بعد 37 عاماً.. هل يتكرر سيناريو تدخل مصر في ليبيا؟". www.alarabiya.com.
  10. ^ ""الدفاع العربي" تكشف كواليس حرب الأربعة أيام بين مصر وليبيا". www.aldefaaalarabi.com. Retrieved 2024-04-04.
  11. ^ Lippman, Thomas (25 July 1977). "Egypt - Libya Clash: Little Impact on Arab - Israeli Struggle". WashingtonPost.
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