Libya 6 years after: A success or failure?
In 2011, the Middle East and North Africa was engulfed by the Arab Spring/ Arab revolution. Tunisia, Yemen, Egypt, Algeria, Bahrain and Libya witnessed revolutions. In Libya, rebels backed by some world powers and NATO ousted the regime of Colonel Gaddafi. Today, Libya is divided with each part controlled by armed militia groups, warlords, tribal […]
In 2011, the Middle East and North Africa was engulfed by the Arab Spring/ Arab revolution. Tunisia, Yemen, Egypt, Algeria, Bahrain and Libya witnessed revolutions. In Libya, rebels backed by some world powers and NATO ousted the regime of Colonel Gaddafi. Today, Libya is divided with each part controlled by armed militia groups, warlords, tribal leaders and city councils. From Africa’s wealthiest nation to the world’s fastest shrinking economy and a failed state.
During the 40 years rule of Colonel Gaddafi, he constructed the world’s largest man made dam in Libya. He called it “8th wonder of the world”. According to the African Exponent, Libyans had access to free healthcare, free education and a literacy level of 88%, free power supply, a debt free economy with a reserve of about $150billion and a GDP higher than that of Japan, women had equal rights as their male counterparts and petrol as cheap as 0.14 dollar. What more did Libyans desire for?
The tune they are dancing to after Gaddafi is different. Oil production which is the country’s main source of revenue has almost stopped and exports cut by 80%; GDP losses amounting to about $200 billion and frequent blackouts in its cities. The country is now home to the world largest arms cache, weapon trading is a common feature and a haven for terrorists including ISIS. It’s also a major contributor to the world migration crises with millions of Libyans fleeing their country for a better, secured and peaceful life in Europe. Most unfortunately, Libya has not had a single united government since Gaddafi. The country is divided into the west and the east with each ruled by its government and cabinet. The intervention and revolution they fought for, now more of a curse is considered one of the worst in history and Libyans left with mere dreams and hope. Groups agitating for Biafra should take a cue from this and the situation in Iraq and South Sudan. Revolution, change and separation do not necessarily end well.
Today, the questions are: Will Libyans ever enjoy what they fought for? Will they ever recover from this war and strife? And finally, was the revolution a success or a failure? Only time will tell!
Balkisu Muhammad, IBBU, Lapai, Niger State.