Domestic responses to the Libyan Civil War (2011)

The Libyan flag used between 1951 and 1969 was used by protesters as an opposition flag.[1][2] It was readopted as the national flag after the rebels' victory.

During the early stages of the Libyan Civil War of 2011, the Gaddafi regime was still in power: but there was widespread withdrawal of support from that regime by influential persons and organisations within the country. Among those who no longer supported the regime, the main concern they expressed was what they regarded as its use of excessive force against peaceful protestors. There were many resignations by ministers of the governing council and other senior officials, diplomats posted abroad, and senior military officers. Islamic clerics, tribal leaders, and members of the former royal family expressed their opposition, while the two leading Libyan oil companies also withdrew support for the regime.

Government resignations

This is a list of officials who resigned or refused to take orders from the Gaddafi regime during the 2011 Libyan civil war.

Ministers

Other officials

Nouri al-Mismari at the 12th African Union summit

Diplomatic service

Host Country/
Organization		 Official Date Notes
 Arab League Ambassador Abdulmoneim al-Honi[16] 20 February 2011 The reason for his resignation was the "oppression against protesters".[17]
The Libyan delegation to the Arab League in Cairo has renounced Gaddafi and now represents 'the people'[18] 25 February 2011 They condemned his attack on "unarmed citizens".[19]
 United Nations Ambassador Abdel Rahman Shalgham 25 February 2011 Did not resign, but denounced Gaddafi in a speech before the Security Council and no longer supports the regime.[20]
Deputy Ambassador Ibrahim Omar Al Dabashi 21 February 2011 Did not resign, but no longer supports government.[21][22] On 26 February 2011, he stated that he supported "in principle" the alternative government being formed in Benghazi.[23]
Delegation to the Human Rights Council
Entire mission to the UN in Geneva[19]		 25 February 2011
UNESCO Ambassador Abdoulsalam El Qallali 25 February 2011 [24]
 Australia Musbah Allafi 20 February 2011
 Austria Embassy staff 23 February 2011 The Libyan Embassy in Austria condemned 'excessive violence against peaceful demonstrators', stated that they represent the Libyan people and offered condolences to the families of the victims.[25]
 Bangladesh Ambassador AH Elimam 20 February 2011 [16]
 Belgium Ambassador 21 February 2011 [26]
 Canada Counsellor Ihab Al-Mismari 23 February 2011 Son of Gaddafi's former protocol chief Nuri Al-Mismari told the Toronto Star he resigned because embassy's chargé d'affaires was "hiding" the gravity of the deadly crackdown back home. “...killing the friends with whom I grew up, they are killing my brothers and sisters.”[27]
 China Second Secretary to the ambassador Hussein Sadiq al Musrati 20 February 2011 He also called on the army to intervene and called for all Libya's diplomats to resign[28]
 Egypt Consular employees in Alexandria 22 February 2011 Staff at the Libyan consulate in Alexandria removed the Gaddafi-era green flag and joined protestors outside[29]
Consul in Cairo Faraj Saeed al-Aribi 12 May 2011 The consul in Cairo said that he had quit his job and joined the rebels[30][31]
 European Union and Benelux Ambassador Hadeiba Alhadi and Embassy staff 25 May 2011 [32]
 France Ambassador Mohamed Salaheddine Zarem 25 February 2011 [24]
 Hungary Embassy staff (undefined) 22 February 2011 Two members of the staff left the embassy to join the protesters in front of the building.[33] On 21 March, the Libyan embassy in Budapest is seen flying the old tricolor flag which indicates that they have officially changed sides in favor of the National Transitional Council.[34]
 India Ambassador Ali al-Essawi 21 February 2011 [35]
 Indonesia Ambassador Salaheddin M. El Bishari 21 February 2011 [35][36]
 Jordan Ambassador Mohammed Hassan Al Barghathi 24 February 2011
 Malaysia Embassy staff 22 February 2011 Distanced themselves from the government and called the protests a "massacre."[37]
 Mali Consul general Musa Al-Koni (later referred as "Musa Kuni") 5 March 2011 Later accused by Malian officials of being an "impostor" who initially recruited Tuareg mercenaries before fleeing to Paris with the money entrusted to him for that purpose.[38]
 Malta Embassy staff 22 February 2011 Left the embassy to join the protestors in front of it. The embassy is now flying the flag of the protestors.
 Morocco Embassy staff 23 February 2011 Staff destroyed images of Muammar Gaddafi and destroyed the Gaddafi-era flag.
 Namibia Second-highest ranking diplomat Saad Bakar 3 March 2011 The second-highest ranking diplomat in Namibia, Saad Bakar, his wife and four children has left for a Mediterranean country to join the opposition movement.
 Netherlands Embassy staff 8 March 2011 Replacement of the Gaddafi-era flag with the Libyan 1951–1969 flag as used by the 2011 protesters; no further comments were made.[39]
 Poland Ambassador 22 February 2011 [40]
 Portugal Ambassador Ali Ibrahim Emdored 25 February 2011 [41]
 Somalia Ambassador Issa Ashur 26 February 2011 Announced he is "joining the revolution", and would continue to carry out his duties "as a representative of the Libyan people"[42]
 Sweden Ambassador;
Deputy Ambassador Abdelmagid Buzrigh;
non-diplomatic staff		 23 February 2011 After days of protests, the embassy announced on 23 February that they no longer support Gaddafi and lifted the former Libyan flag[43][44]
  Switzerland Embassy staff 11 March 2011 "The members of the embassy no longer have any link to the regime of Muammar Gaddafi, and call on all countries to follow the example set by the Republic of France in recognising the National Transitional Council which represents the interests of the Libyan people".[45]
 United States of America Ambassador Ali Suleiman Aujali; 22 February 2011 However, he resigned on 22 February saying he does not serve the "dictatorship."[46] On 26 February 2011, he stated that he supported the efforts to form an alternative government in Benghazi.[47]

Contrary to previous reports, the Ambassador of Libya to the United Kingdom has not resigned, but did not want to discuss his support for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.[35]

According to the Toronto Star, the Ambassador of Libya to Canada is on "sick leave".

A growing number of Libyan embassies around the world have started to fly the former flag of Libya used between 1951 and 1969.[48]

Military

Business actions

The Arabian Gulf Oil Company, the second largest state-owned oil company in Libya, announced plans to use oil funds to support anti-Gaddafi forces.[54]

By 27 February, Libya's biggest oil company, Agaco, turned against the Gaddafi government.[55]

Other leaders

Islamic leaders and clerics in Libya, notably the Network of Free Ulema – Libya urged all Muslims to rebel against Gaddafi.[56][57]

The Warfalla, Tuareg and Magarha tribes have announced their support of the protesters.[15][58] The Zuwayya tribe, based in eastern Libya, have threatened to cut off oil exports from fields in their part of the country if Libyan security forces continued attacking demonstrators.[59]

A young Benghazian carrying King Idris' photo. Support of the royal Senussi dynasty has traditionally been strong in Cyrenaica.[60]

Former royals

Libyan-throne claimant, Muhammed El Senussi, sent his condolences "for the heroes who have laid down their lives, killed by the brutal forces of Gaddafi" and called on the international community "to halt all support for the dictator with immediate effect."[61] Senussi said that the protesters would be "victorious in the end" and calls for international support to end the violence.

On 24 February, Senussi gave an interview to Al Jazeera English where he called upon the international community to help remove Gaddafi from power and stop the ongoing "massacre".[62] He has dismissed talk of a civil war saying "The Libyan people and the tribes have proven they are united".

Questioned about what shape a new government could take, and whether the 1951 royal constitution could be revived, Senussi said that such questions are "premature and are issues that are to be decided by the Libyan people," adding that for now the priority is to stop the "killing of innocent people." On whether he desires to return to Libya he says "The Senussi family considers itself as in the service of the Libyan people."[63] When asked about reestablishing the monarchy, he stated that he "is a servant to Libyan people, and they decide what they want".[64]

The White House said it will not specify which individuals and groups it is working and reaching out with, when asked if it supports Senussi's calls for international support.[65]

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, he stated that it is too early to answer if the monarchy in Libya could be restored and if he will be active in Libyan politics. He also says the main objective is to end the violence on the streets in Libya.

On 3 March, it was announced that he planned to return to Libya.[66] On 4 March, he called the West to use airstrikes against Gaddafi after his contacts in Libya told him they need airstrikes. He also argued that a no-fly zone would be insufficient but later calls for the no-fly zone.[67]

He later stated that international community needs "less talk and more action" to stop the violence.[68] He has asked for a no-fly zone over Libya but does not support foreign ground troops.[69] He has also stated that a no-fly zone is the only way to stop Gaddafi who he has said is relying completely on the air force.[69]

In an interview with Adnkronos, a rival claimant to the throne, Idris bin Abdullah al-Senussi, announced he was ready to return to the country once change had been initiated.[70] On 21 February 2011, Idris made an appearance on Piers Morgan Tonight to discuss the uprising.[71]

On 24 February, his brother Hashem called on Gaddafi "to have mercy" on the demonstrators, just as he did with members of the former Royal Family in 1969 when he allowed them to leave the country unharmed after the coup that overthrew the monarchy.[72]

On 3 March, it was reported that Prince Al Senussi Zouber Al Senussi had fled Libya with his family and was seeking asylum in Totebo, Sweden.[73]

On 17 March, Prince Mohamed Hilal El Senussi returned to Libya after 41 years in exile.[74]

Public reaction

During the Battle of Sirte, residents of Sirte expressed condemnation against the rebels and NATO. According to one resident, "The rebels are worse than rats. NATO is the same as Osama bin Laden." According to another local woman, "We lived in democracy under Muammer Gaddafi, he was not a dictator. I lived in freedom, Libyan women had full human rights. It isn't that we need Muammer Gaddafi again, but we want to live just as we did before." A local elderly woman stated "They are killing our children. Why are they doing this? For what? Life was good before!"[75]

References

  1. ↑ Janathan S. Landay; Warren P. Strobel; Arwa Ibrahim (18 February 2011). "Violent repression of protests rocks Libya, Bahrain, Yemen". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved 19 February 2011.
  2. ↑ Mark Tran (17 February 2011). "Bahrain in crisis and Middle East protests – live blog". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 19 February 2011.
  3. ↑ Global Media Center: Dr. Ali Errishi, National Press Club, 4 March 2011
  4. ↑ Transcript, CNN, 6 March 2011
  5. ↑ "Libya justice minister resigns to protest 'excessive use of force' against protesters". Haaretz Newspaper. 21 February 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
  6. 1 2 "Live Blog - Libya Feb 22". Al Jazeera Blogs. Al Jazeera. 2011-02-22. Retrieved 2011-02-27.
  7. ↑ Gaddafi forces push rebels back, BBC News, 30 March 2011
  8. ↑ Libya's oil minister defects to 'fight for democracy', The Guardian, 1 June 2011
  9. ↑ Cooper, Helene (7 June 2011). "NATO Attack Destroys Much of Qaddafi Compound". Washington D.C., U.S.A.: The New York Times. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  10. ↑ "Egypt Airport Officials Libyan Interior Minister Arrives in Cairo with Family Members".
  11. 1 2 "Live Blog - Libya Feb 23". Al Jazeera Blogs. Al Jazeera. 23 February 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  12. ↑ "Live Blog - Libya Feb 24". Al Jazeera Blogs. Al Jazeera. 2011-02-24. Retrieved 2011-02-27.
  13. ↑ Abdelatti, Ali; Werr, Patrick (2011-02-25). "Libya's prosecutor general says joins opposition". Reuters. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
  14. ↑ http://aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=24296
  15. 1 2 "Gaddafi Defiant as State Teeters". Africa. Al Jazeera English. 23 February 2011. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  16. 1 2 "Libya's ambassadors to India, Arab League resign in protest against government". Russia: RIA Novosti. 21 February 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
  17. ↑ "Libya Arab League envoy resigns - Al Jazeera". Reuters Africa. Thomson Reuters. February 20, 2011. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  18. ↑ Gabbatt, Adam; Taylor, Matthew; Owen, Paul; Davis, Rowenna (February 25, 2011). "3.41pm". Libya in turmoil – live updates. United Kingdom: The Guardian. Retrieved 2011-02-27.
  19. 1 2 Adams, Richard (2011-02-25). "Libya's turmoil – Friday 25 February". News Blog. UK: The Guardian. Retrieved 2011-02-27.
  20. ↑ Chappell, Bill (2011-02-25). "Libyan Ambassador Denounces Gadhafi At U.N.". NPR. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  21. ↑ "Western nations urge Security Council to demand immediate end to Libyan crackdown on civilians". Google News. Associated Press, The Canadian Press. 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
  22. ↑ "LIBYA: U.N. diplomats resign in protest". Babylon & Beyond. Los Angeles Times. 2011-02-21. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
  23. ↑ "Interim Libyan govt wins support". Al Jazeera English. 2011-02-27. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  24. 1 2 "Libyan ambassadors in France back revolt". Reuters Africa. Thomson Reuters. 2011-02-22. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  25. ↑ "Libyan Embassy in Austria condemns 'excessive violence against peaceful demonstrators'". Google News. The Canadian Press. 23 February 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-25.
  26. ↑ "Libyan Ambassador to Belgium, Head of Mission to EU Resigns". Global Arab Network. 21 February 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
  27. ↑ "Libyan diplomat in Ottawa quits". Yahoo! News. Agence France-Presse. 23 February 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-23.
  28. ↑ "Libyan diplomat in China resigns over unrest". Google News. Agence France-Presse. 21 February 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
  29. ↑ Zayed, Dina (2011-02-22). "Staff of Libyan consulate in Egypt lower flag". Reuters. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  30. ↑ "Libya Live Blog". Al Jazeera. 2011-05-12. Retrieved 2011-05-12.
  31. ↑ Steve Bryant; Mariam Fam (13 May 2011). "Libyan Rebels Advance as They Seek Further Help From U.S., U.K. - Bloomberg". Retrieved 2011-05-14.
  32. ↑ "L'ambassadeur de Libye auprès de l'UE fait défection". 26 May 2011. Retrieved 2011-05-28.
  33. ↑ Szabolcs, Barakonyi (2011-02-22). "Tüntettek Líbia budapesti követségénél" (in Hungarian). index.hu. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  34. ↑ "A lázadók zászlója leng a budapesti követségen" (in Hungarian). index.hu. 2011-03-21. Retrieved 2011-03-22.
  35. 1 2 3 "February 21". Live Blog - Libya. Al Jazeera Blogs. 21 February 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
  36. ↑ "Libya's ambassador to India resigns in protest against violence: BBC". Daily News and Analysis. Reuters. 21 February 2011. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  37. ↑ "Libyan Embassy in Malaysia condemns 'massacre,' distances itself from Gaddafi's regime". Yahoo! News Canada. Associated Press, The Canadian Press. 2011-02-22. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
  38. ↑ Des élus maliens affirment que Mousa Al-Koni est "un imposteur"
  39. ↑ (Dutch) Vlag revolutie op consulaat Libië, Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (8 March 2011)
  40. ↑ "Libyan diplomats defect en masse". Al Jazeera English. 2011-02-22. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  41. ↑ "Libyan ambassador to Portugal quits in protest". Jerusalem Post. Associated Press. 2011-02-25. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  42. ↑ "1455". As it happened: Libya revolt on Saturday. BBC News. 2011-02-26. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  43. ↑ "Libyan embassy staff in Sweden quit over violence". The Swedish Wire. AFP. 2011-02-21. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  44. ↑ Skarin, Anna (2011-02-22). "Ambassaden hissar Libyens frihetsflagga" (in Swedish). Expressen. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
  45. ↑ http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/news_digest/Libyan_embassy_cuts_ties_to_Gaddafi_regime.html?cid=29706010
  46. ↑ "UPDATE 1-Libya's US ambassador resigns from 'dictatorship'". Reuters Africa. 22 February 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-22.
  47. ↑ Mohammed, Arshad; Simao, Paul (2011-02-26). "UPDATE 1-EXCLUSIVE-Libya envoy to U.S. backs interim government". Reuters Africa. Thomson Reuters. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  48. ↑ Fahim, Kareem; Kirkpatrick, David D.; Otterman, Sharon; El-Naggar, Mona; MacFarquhar, Neil; Stack, Liam (2011-02-22). "Qaddafi's Grip on the Capital Tightens as Revolt Grows". The New York Times. p. 2. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  49. 1 2 http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/live-blog-libya-march-1
  50. ↑ Scicluna, Christopher; Abdallah, Diana (2011-02-21). "Two Libyan fighter pilots defect, fly to Malta". Reuters. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  51. ↑ "Qaddafi's Hold on Libya Weakens in Protest Wave". Fox News Channel. AP. 2011-02-21. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  52. ↑ http://archive.libyafeb17.com/2011/03/crowd-mourns-ali-hassan-al-jabir/
  53. ↑ Botti, David. "Libya's Defectors". The New York Times. Retrieved 2013-08-07.
  54. ↑ "Libya's Arabian Gulf Oil Co Hopes To Fund Rebels Via Crude Sales-FT". Reuters.
  55. ↑ "Top Libyan oil firm staff join protests - Quryna". Reuters Africa. Thomson Reuters. 2011-02-26. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  56. ↑ Staff writer (17 February 2011). "Live Blog – Libya". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  57. ↑ "Update 1-Libyan Islamic Leaders Urge Muslims To Rebel". Reuters. 9 February 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2011.
  58. ↑ "Libya Crisis: What Role Do Tribal Loyalties Play?". BBC News. 21 February 2011.
  59. ↑ Hussein, Mohammed (22 February 2011). "Libya Crisis: What Role Do Tribal Loyalties Play?". BBC News.
  60. ↑ "The Liberated East: Building a New Libya". The Economist. 24 February 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2011.
  61. ↑ Salama, Vivian (22 February 2011). "Libya's Crown Prince Says Protesters Will Defy 'Brutal Forces'". Bloomberg. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  62. ↑ "Libya's 'Crown Prince' Makes Appeal – Muhammad al-Senussi Calls for the International Community To Help Remove Muammar Gaddafi from Power". Al Jazeera English. 24 February 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  63. ↑ Derhally, Massoud A.; Alexander, Caroline (25 February 2011). "Libya's Prince Senussi Says Tribes Are United Against Qaddafi". BusinessWeek. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  64. ↑ "Exiled Libyan Crown Prince Says Kadhafi Must Step Down". Newstime Africa. 26 February 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  65. ↑ Singh, Tejinder (28 February 2011). "U.S. Hesitates To Support Crown Prince and Define Post-Gaddafi Libya". All Headline News. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  66. ↑ Weiss, Michael (1 March 2011). "The Libyan School of Economics". Arma Virumque (blog of The New Criterion). Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  67. ↑ "Exiled Prince Calls for Airstrikes". The Australian. 5 March 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  68. ↑ "Libya's 'Exiled Prince' Urges World Action". Khaleej Times. Agence France-Presse. 9 March 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  69. 1 2 Johnston, Cynthia (9 March 2011). "Libyan Crown Prince Urges No-Fly Zone, Air Strikes". Reuters. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  70. ↑ "Libia, principe Idris: "Gheddafi assecondi popolo o il Paese finirà in fiamme"". Adnkronos (in Italian). 16 February 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  71. ↑ Krakauer, Steve (21 February 2011). "Who Is Moammer Gadhafi? Piers Morgan Explores the Man at the Center of Libya's Uprising". Piers Morgan Tonight (blog of Piers Morgan Tonight via CNN). Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  72. ↑ Manila, Alfano (24 February 2011). "Il nipote di re Idris: "Al colonnello chiedo pietà per i miei fratelli" ". il Giornale (in Italian). Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  73. ↑ "Libyan Royal Family Seeking Swedish Asylum". Stockholm News. Tidningarnas Telegrambyrå. 3 March 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  74. ↑ "EL SENUSSI: The Libyan Tea Party". The Washington Times. Retrieved 18 March 2011.
  75. ↑ Sherlock, Ruth (2 October 2011). "Gaddafi loyalists stranded as battle for Sirte rages". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
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