Report
Libya 2013: Cyrenaica and
Possible Autonomy
Peace Research | December 2013
Contents
Executive Summary
3
Background
3
Responses by Neighbouring Countries
4
Reintegration of Militias
5
Conclusion
7
Timeline of Key Events:
7
Bibliography:
Authors
Matthew Fletcher
Lasse Maidstone
Wafa Nimri
Paul Tanner
Abbreviations
AFRICOM – Africa Command
AGOCO - The Arabian Gulf Oil Company
CTC – Cyrenaica Transitional Council
GNC – General National Congress (of Libya)
LSF – Libyan Shield Force22
NTC – National Transitional Council
NOC – National Oil Corporation
SCC – Supreme Security Committee
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10
Executive Summary
The issue of Cyrenaica succeeding from the State of Libya was brought to a head on March 6th 2012 with
the creation of the Cyrenaica Transitional Council headed by Ahmed Zubayr al-Sanussi. Initially an increase
in the 60 seats given to them by the GNC was demanded. However, over time the CTC grew into a
federalist movement demanding more devolved powers citing Tripoli’s neglect of the region. 1 While the
CTC lacked a popular mandate, the mantle has been taken up again by the Political Bureau of Cyrenaica,
which is threatening to use force in order to gain more autonomy from Tripoli. 2 Considering that 80% of the
country’s oil reserves3 are located in Cyrenaica, it is critical that Tripoli maintains the province in order to
fund its new army and government as well as help professionalize the militias under its control. With
increasing calls for more security Al-Zeidan has started to clamp down on militias. However, with plans to
use NATO resources to train Libya’s army, this is unlikely to be done in the near future. 4 While historically
the claim for a separate state makes sense there are now too many conflicting interests, with the power
being held mainly by a few militia groups with their own separate mandates. Ultimately while the security
situation may worsen, the economic value of the region coupled with its fragmented population makes
independence of Cyrenaica unlikely.
Background
Since Roman times, Libya has been divided into three distinct provinces: Tripolitania in the West, Cyrenaica
in the East, and Fezzan in the South. These distinctions are largely predicated upon geographical
boundaries that separate the regions from each other. Historically, Cyrenaica has been the most hostile
towards foreign invaders, including the Ottomans (1515-1911) and the Italians (1911-1943), which
continues to provide a certain pride in the region.5 In 1949, allies expelled the Italian forces and in 1951,
Libya became an independent country under the rule of King Idris al-Sanusi of the Senussi monarchy,
which has its stronghold in Cyrenaica. 6 Under his rule, the country was run along federal lines with
considerable power devolved to its three historic regions. Following the 1969 coup by Colonel Muammar
Gaddafi, however, power was largely centralised in Tripoli. Subsequently, Cyrenaica suffered under political
Frederic Wehrey, “The Struggle for security in Eastern Libya”, September 19th 2012,
,http://carnegieendowment.org/2012/09/19/struggle-for-security-in-eastern-libya/dvct#
2 Libya Herald, “Jedhran swears in his new cyrenician cabinet”, November 3 rd 2013,
http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/11/03/jadhran-swears-in-his-new-cyrenaican-cabinet/#axzz2mXn1VPGb
(accessed: 05/12/13)
3 L, Sadiki. ‘Libya's new 'feds': The call of Cyrenaica’, 7th March 2012,
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/03/20123771523372117.html (Accessed 05/12/2013)
4 Frederic, Wehrey, ”Modest Mission”, 2013, http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/140240/frederic-wehrey/modestmission (accessed:02/12/2013)
5 U, Holm. ‘Libya in transition: the fragile and insecure relation between the local, the national and the regional’,
Danish Institute for International Studies, 2013.
6 Ibid.
1
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and economical marginalization by the central government.7 The feeling of neglect was especially based on
the perception that their share of political influence did not correspond to their contribution to economic
output: Cyrenaica contains 80% of Libya’s proven oil reserves, three of the country’s four oil refineries and
three main ports.8 Considering the political marginalization, it is understandable that the revolt that
toppled Colonel Gaddafi started in the main city of Cyrenaica, Benghazi, before spreading to the rest of the
country.9
While it is possible to identify distinct differences between the three historic provinces of Libya, they all
suffer from deep societal fragmentation. The political culture of Libya is thus comprised of overlapping
tribal, religious and ethnic identities with different interests and conceptions of power and legitimacy. 10
Cyrenaica, a region of merely 1.6 million inhabitants, is thus home to several hundred tribes, many of
which have branches in other regions of Libya.11 Consequently, there has been divided reactions to the
unilateral action by delegates of the March 6 Barqa Conference to declare Cyrenaica an autonomous
region. Powerful local militias, such as the Union of Revolutionary Brigades, and the Muslim Brotherhood
have declined to offer their support, calling it the work of narrow-based and personal interests.12
Responses by Neighbouring Countries
Libya’s neighbouring countries are concerned with the stability of the country as the proliferation of
terrorism and local conflicts threaten to spread across its borders. With regards to the unilateral
declaration of autonomy in Cyrenaica, however, they generally refrain from expressing biased opinions on
Libya’s internal strives. Rather, official statements show sentiments of good will and wishes for societal
cohesion.
During Zeidan’s visit to Jordan and his meeting with King Abdullah II, the following was cited:
“King Abdullah II of Jordan stressed that he also underscored the importance of boosting the unity and
cohesion of the Libyan people as well as their endeavours to shore up democracy and national dialogue
and to rebuild their country and institutions,”13.
In Morocco, King Mohammad VI stated that: “Morocco was following ‘with great interest’ the ongoing
political transition in Libya and was willing to help wherever it could” 14
The Arab League has not issued an official statement so far with respect to Cyrenaica secession, however,
Egyptian statesman, Mahmud Pasha Azmi is said to have stated that “the 1951 Constitution was superior
to contemporaneous constitutions”15. Egypt is however is unable or unwilling to make a political position
Reuters, ‘Regional group declares self-government for east Libya’, 2nd June 2013,
http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCABRE9510AF20130602 (Accessed: 05/12/2013)
8 L, Sadiki. ‘Libya's new 'feds': The call of Cyrenaica’, 7th March 2012,
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/03/20123771523372117.html (Accessed 05/12/2013)
9 U, Holm. Op cit. p.26
10 Ibid. p.26
11 F, Wehrey. ‘The Struggle for Security in Eastern Libya’, Carnegie Endowment, September 2013, p.4
12 W, Lacher. ‘Is Autonomy for Northeastern Libya Realistic?, Carnegie Endowment, 21st March 2012,
http://carnegieendowment.org/sada/2012/03/21/is-autonomy-for-northeastern-libya-realistic/chk0 (Accessed:
05/13/2013).
13 Abdul Jalil Mustafa, ‘Jordan’s King Abdullah tells Zeidan of “absolute” support for Libyan aspirations’ , 2nd
Decmeber, 2013, http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/12/02/jordans-king-abdullah-tells-zeidan-of-absolute-supportfor-libyan-aspirations/#ixzz2mOyz5C00Read more: http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/12/02/jordans-king-abdullahtells-zeidan-of-absolute-support-for-libyan-aspirations/#ixzz2mOxDDxTR (accessed: 05/12/2013)
14 Reem Tombookti and Hadi Fornaji, ‘Zeidan looks to closer economic ties with Morocco’, 2013,
http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/10/07/zeidan-looks-to-closer-economic-ties-with-morocco/#axzz2mOxAaAQF
(accessed:05/12/2013)
15 Larbi Sadiki, “Libya’s New ‘feds’: The Call of Cyrenaicai”, 2012,
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/03/20123771523372117.html (accessed: 05/12/2013)
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on or contribution to the Libyan revolution other than to maintain border security and control due to its own
security issues.
In Tunisia, the two sides are called to “protect each other’s revolution,” Larayedh said. They also looked at
regional security challenges and the need to strengthen cooperation between North Africa and the Sahel
states (Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad and Sudan) so as to ensure stability. A more active and enhanced
role for the Arab Maghreb Union was also agreed – a development earlier approved by Morocco during
Zeidan’s talks in Rabat16
Interestingly, however, on one of Aljazeera’s popular political talk shows: The Opposite Direction,
those interviewed from academia to discuss the Libyan revolution, Khaled Alwarfali and Omar bin Kifah,
stated that: “It was/is a peaceful revolution toward political transition” and that “there were no calls for
secession in Libya only mere expressions of the desire to build a system/ regime that brings about stability
and security for the country, as a whole, justice and rule of law”.
“While there are (22) million pieces of weaponry scattered about and around the country in the hands of
militias, tribes and civilians, there are no major front line clashes in the country, with the exception of a
few minor ones here and there. And although Gaddafi’s regime was bad, it has now become worse with
the outbreak of violence and instability across the country, many nowadays long for Gaddafi reign17”!
The general standpoint of Arab and Middle Eastern countries is that they are ready to support the Libyan
government on matters of security and border control. Issues of trafficking and terrorism, which have
become more significant since the revolution, are being monitored closely by surrounding countries.
Reintegration of Militias
Since the fall of Gaddafi in October 2011, militias under control of the Libyan Government have controlled
many of Libya’s cities.18 Since the end of the revolution, it is estimated that 300 separate militias are
present in the country.19 The Gaddafi regime’s previous neglect of the military and the police has left them
ill-equipped and unable to respond to the rising influence of the militias.20 The militias initially refused to
hand over their weapons realising much of the power they had earned in the war would be lost to the
interim government.21 The NTC in response created the Libyan Shield Force (LSF) and the Supreme
Security Committee (SCC) in order to harness the power of the militias under the remit of the Ministry of
the Interior and the Ministry of Defence.22 Providing certain militias with authority, however, has escalated
the violence between these militias and tribes previously loyal to Gaddafi.23 Ceding power to these groups
has led to sectarian divides between Salafists and Sufis as well as extra-judicial killings.24
Micheal Cousins, ‘Security tops agenda in Zeidan talks in Tunisia’, 2013,
http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/10/09/security-tops-agenda-in-zeidan-talks-in-tunisia/#axzz2mMRVnzaN
(accessed: 05/12/13)
16
Aljazeera talk show: The opposite Direction, ‘Where is Libya heading’, 26th December 2013,
http://www.aljazeera.net/programs/pages/f7ae37d7-a200-46b6-a305-2db19e02d5f5 (accessed: 05/12/13)
18 BBC News, “Libya’s Colonel Gaddafi Killed, says NTC”, October 2011, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa15389550 (accessed 01/12/2013)
19 Frederic Weherey, “Libya Doesn’t need more militia’s”, The New York Times, June 2013,
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/11/opinion/libya-doesnt-need-more-militias.html?_r=0, (accessed: 01/12/13)
20 Ibid.
21 Amanda Kadlec, “Disarming Libya’s Militias”, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, February 2012,
http://carnegieendowment.org/2012/02/16/disarming-libya-s-militias/ei7f, (accessed:01/12/13)
22 Frederic Wehrey, “libya’s Militia Menace”, Foreign Affairs, July 12th 2012,
http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/137776/frederic-wehrey/libyas-militia-menace (accessed: 02/12/2013)
23 Ibid.
24 Ibid.
17
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The kidnapping of PM Ali Zaiden by the LSF in October 2013 is an example of this growing abuse of
power.25 Though directly accountable to the National Security Committee the group has been involved in
fighting with rival militias and civilians. The killing of an estimated 40 residents during an anti-militia
demonstration resulted in a three-day general strike in Tripoli. Subsequently, militias, including the
Gharghour Brigade and elements of the Libya Shield Force, have been expelled from Misrata.26 In Benghazi
the Salafist Ansar Al-Sharia militia clashed with the Libyan Special Forces on the 25th November 2013
killing 9 people and injuring 49.27 Local residents who had burnt out the Ansar Al-Sharia headquarters had
demanded a return of the police and army to take control of the security of the city. 28 This fighting came a
day after PM Al Zaiden made pledges to integrate the militias into the armed forces. 29
Initial attempts by AFRICOM to train a counter-terrorism force failed after militias stole vital equipment.30
NATO has since implemented plans to train Libya’s army outside of the country in Turkey, Bulgaria, Italy
and the UK.31 Libya’s security forces are currently too fragmented and partisan to ensure the safety of its
civilians. The new army would aim to unite Libyans.32 Pay for the standing army has increased in order to
entice militias to integrate by the 31st December deadline.33 However, in the east of the country, militias
are reluctant to hand over their weapons citing distrust of the central government. Al Zaiden has brought
into action Law 57 banning militias from the city of Benghazi.34 This may be met with more opposition than
when militias were evicted from Tripoli using Law 27.35 There is little indication yet, however, whether the
militias under the control of Ibrahim Jedhran, the leader of the new Political Bureau of Cyrenaica, will leave
before the deadline.36 Initially, given the control of the Petroleum Facilities Guard numbering roughly
17,000 troops by the government, Ibrahim Jedhran has used the militias to threaten to cut off Libya’s oil
supplies.37 Violence has continued to escalate in Benghazi indicating perhaps that militias are less likely to
want to integrate with the army or leave the city. 38 We can see that the value of a new Libyan army would
not go amiss in this situation and strides to professionalize militias and create a new army are vital to
maintaining security in Libya, especially if the government wants to keep the county united.
Chris Stephen, “Libyan PM Ali Zaiden says kidnapping was a coup attempt”, the Guardian, 11 th October 2013,
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/11/libyan-pm-ali-zeidan-kidnap-coup-attempt (accessed: 01/12/13)
26 Alakbhar English, “Detested Libya militia leaves Tripoli”, November 2013, http://english.alakhbar.com/content/detested-libyan-militia-withdraws-tripoli (accessed: 01/12/13)
27 BBC News, “Libya Army in Benghazi clashes with Ansar Al-Sharia”, November 2013,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25084209 (accessed: 01/12/13)
28 Ibid.
29 UPI, “Libya pushes back against militia’s in Banghazi”, November 25 th 2013,
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/11/25/Libya-pushes-back-against-militias-in-Benghazi/UPI92591385397315/ (accessed: 01/12/13)
30 Nasser, “Libya almost imploding”, Global Research, November 2013, http://www.globalresearch.ca/libya-almostimploding-status-quo-unsustainable-oil-industry-target-of-violent-attacks/5358064 (accessed:02/12/2013)
31 Frederic, Wehrey, ”Modest Mission”, 2013, http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/140240/fredericwehrey/modest-mission (accessed:02/12/2013)
32 Ibid.
33 Global research
34 Libya Herald, “Zeiden moves to enforce Benghazi militia ban”, 3rd December 2013,
http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/12/03/zeidan-moves-to-enforce-benghazi-militia-ban/#axzz2mXn1VPGb (accessed
04/12/13)
35 Ibid.
36 Libya Herald, “Jedhran swears in his new cyrenician cabinet”, November 3 rd 2013,
http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/11/03/jadhran-swears-in-his-new-cyrenaican-cabinet/#axzz2mXn1VPGb
(accessed: 05/12/13)
37 BBC News, Guide to key Libyan Militias and other armed groups, 28 th November 2013,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19744533 (accessed: 05/12/2013)
38 Libya Herald, “Killings continue in Benghazi”, 5th December 2013,
http://www.libyaherald.com/2013/12/05/killings-continue-in-benghazi/#axzz2mXn1VPGb (accessed: 05/12/13)
25
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Conclusion
Libya’s resource-rich Eastern province, Cyrenaica, constitutes a distinct historical and geographical region.
However, it is home to various tribes, ethnically and religiously diverse groups and opposing militias. These
differences prevent the formation of a cohesive social identity. This is exemplified by the diverse attitudes
to the province’s unilateral declaration of autonomy.
The social fragmentation and the competing political interests constitute a significant threat to the unity of
the country. The TNC, in coordination with allied governments, has thus been very concerned with bringing
local militias under the control of the national government. In spite of its efforts, violent clashes continue to
occur.
The CTC’s efforts to establish regional autonomy significantly hinder the TNC’s work to ensure security and
stability. Neighbouring governments have thus expressed hopes that Libya will maintain its unity.
Timeline of Key Events:
Pre-2011:
1st March 1949

Formation of the Emirate of Cyrenaica, proclaimed by King Idris I of Libya, with support of the
United Kingdom.39
24th December 1951

The Emirate of Cyrenaica was absorbed into the Kingdom of Libya. 40
6th-20th August 1980

The Libyan government suppressed a nationalist military rebellion in Tobruk, Cyrenaica. 41
2011 to present:
Mid-February 2011


The uprisings in Libya began, initiated by a pro-human rights demonstration in Benghazi,
Cyrenaica.42
The protests in Benghazi became widespread as security forces loyal to Colonel Muammar
Gadhafi opened fire on the demonstrators.43
University of Central Arkansas, ‘Libya (1951-present)’ December 2012, http://uca.edu/politicalscience/dadmproject/middle-eastnorth-africapersian-gulf-region/libya-1951-present/ (Accessed: 01/12/2013)
40 Ibid.
41 Ibid.
42 BBC News World, ‘Arab Uprising: Country by Country- Libya’, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-12482311
(Accessed: 01/12/2013)
43 Ibid.
39
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27th February 2011

The National Transitional Council (NTC) is formed in opposition to the Gadhafi regime, Benghazi,
Cyrenaica. 44
20th October 2011


Colonel Muammar Gaddafi dies whilst fleeing in a convoy, near the Libyan town Sirte. The exact
circumstances of his death remain unclear. 45
With the death of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, fighting in Libya began to subdue. 46
23rd October 2011

The National Transitional Council officially declared the liberation of Libya. 47
6th March 2012


At the inaugural ‘Congress of the People of Cyrenaica’, held in the outskirts of Benghazi, civic
leaders declared semi-autonomy for the Cyrenaica region of eastern Libya. 48
The Cyrenaica Transitional Council, which organised the congress, proposed the transformation of
Libya into a federal state, involving: the proposed creation of Cyrenaica’s own parliament, court
system, police force, and control over domestic policy. 49 50
7th March 2012

Head of the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC), Mustafa Adbel Jalil, vowed to defend the
national unity of Libya, amid the declaration of semi-autonomy for eastern Libya, 6th March
2012.51
10th March 2012


5,000 people demonstrated their opposition to calls for the autonomy of Cyrenaica, at a rally in
Tripoli’s Martyr’s Square. 52
Meanwhile, between 3,000 and 4,000 Libyans joined in anti-autonomy protests in Benghazi’s
Tahrir Square. Fear that the autonomy of Cyrenaica could break-up Libya fuelled the
demonstrations.53
16th March 2012
Human Rights Watch, ‘Death of a Dictator: Bloody Vengeance in Sirte’ October 2012,
http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/libya1012webwcover_0.pdf : at p. 21 (Accessed: 01/12/2013)
45 Ibid. p. 28
46 Ibid. p. 28
47 H. Clinton, ‘Press Statement: Liberation of Libya’, U.S. Department of State, 23rd October 2011,
http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/10/175999.htm (Accessed: 30/11/2013)
48 G. Gatehouse, ‘Benghazi’s bid for Cyrenaica autonomy divides Libyans’. BBC News Africa, 10th March 2012,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17316264 (Accessed: 30/11/2013)
49 W. Lacher, ‘Is autonomy for north-eastern Libya realistic?’. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 21 st March
2012, http://carnegieendowment.org/sada/2012/03/21/is-autonomy-for-northeastern-libya-realistic/chk0
(Accessed: 30/11/2013)
50 G. Gatehouse, ‘Libya: Semi-autonomy declared by leaders in east’. BBC News Africa, 6th March 2012,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17271431 (Accessed: 30/11/2013)
51 BBC News Africa, ‘Libya’s Jalil rejects calls for Cyrenaica autonomy’. 7th March 2012,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17284313 (Accessed: 30/11/2013)
52 C. Lowe, ‘Thousands rally in Libya against autonomy in east’. Reuters, 9th March 2012,
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/10/us-libya-east-autonomy-idUSBRE82814020120310 (Accessed:
29/11/2013)
53 Ibid.
44
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
Armed anti-federalism protestors clashed with a crowd demanding Cyrenaica’s semi-autonomy, in
Freedom Square, Benghazi. One person was left dead, and five seriously injured. 54
3rd May 2012

The Council of Cyrenaica, a group seeking autonomy for the Cyrenaica region of eastern Libya,
protested against the 7th July 2012 General National Congress election; calling upon its members
to shun the election.55
1st July 2012


The High National Election Commission (HNEC) in Benghazi was stormed by a 300 strong group of
armed protesters demanding greater autonomy for Cyrenaica.56
Protestors calling for Cyrenaica to be given a larger proportion of seats in the 200-member
legislature, ahead of the General National Congress election on the 7th July 2012.57
8th August 2012

The National Transitional Council handed power over to the newly elected General National
Congress.58
5th June 2013

Prime Minister Ali Zeidan announced the Libyan government’s intention to relocate the National
Oil Corporation (NOC) headquarters, from Tripoli to Benghazi, Cyrenaica. 59
July 2013

Militias demanding semi-autonomous status for Cyrenaica closed the Tobruk’s main al-Hariga oil
terminal, in addition to four other oil export terminals in eastern Libya. 60
17th August, 2013

Ibrahim Jadhran was elected as the head of the self proclaimed Cyrenaica Councils Political
Bureau. 61
3rd November, 2013


Federalists in eastern Libya declared the formation of a Cyrenaica ‘Barqa’ Government, in a direct
challenge to the Libyan central government in Tripoli. 62
Abd-Rabbo al-Barassi, a defected air-force commander, was named as Prime Minister of the
regional Cyrenaica Government, at a ceremony in Ajdabiya. 63
BBC News Africa, ‘Libya rally on Cyrenaica autonomy plan ends in violence’. 16th March 2012.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17411134 (Accessed: 02/12/2013)
55 BBC News Africa, ‘Q&A: Libya’s General National Congress election’. 7th July 2012.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18341022 (Accessed: 02/12/2013)
56 M, Al-Tommy. and A, Al-Rubaie, ‘Protestors storm Libya election office in Benghazi’, Reuters, 1st July 2012.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/07/01/uk-libya-elections-idUKBRE8600H720120701 (Accessed: 01/12/2013)
57 Ibid.
58 University of Central Arkansas, ‘Libya (1951-present)’ December 2012, http://uca.edu/politicalscience/dadmproject/middle-eastnorth-africapersian-gulf-region/libya-1951-present/ (Accessed: 01/12/2013)
59 The Tripoli Post, ‘Libyan Government Moves Headquarters of Four Major Public Institutions from Tripoli to Benghazi’,
6th June 2013, http://www.tripolipost.com/articledetail.asp?c=1&i=10298 (Accessed: 02/12/2013)
60 E. Mohammed, ‘Libya protesters shut down another oil refinery’. The Associated Press, 13th November 2013.
http://globalnews.ca/news/964354/libya-protesters-shut-down-another-oil-refinery/(Accessed: 01/12/2013)
61 Libya Herald, ‘Cyrenaica “government” unveiled’. 24th October 2013, http://www.shabablibya.org/news/cyrenaicagovernment-unveiled (Accessed: 02/12/2013)
62 A,Warfalli. and G, Shennib, ‘East Libya movement launches government, challenges Tripoli’, Reuters, 3rd November
2013. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/11/03/uk-libya-security-idUKBRE9A20ER20131103 (Accessed:
29/11/2013)
63 Ibid.
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10th November, 2013

Prime Minister Abd-Rabbo al-Barassi, of the self-declared Cyrenaica Government, announced the
establishment of the Cyrenaica regional oil company ‘Libyan Oil and Gas Corporation’, in a direct
challenge to the Libyan central government. 64
14th November 2013


A group of rebels blocked the entrances to the offices of ‘The Arabian Gulf Oil Company’ (AGOCO),
in addition to the state-owned ‘National Oil Corporation’ (NOC) oil refinery. 65
The rebels demanded semi-autonomous status for Cyrenaica, and fairer distribution of Libya’s oil
resources.66
1st December 2013
Libyan army officials issued a statement demanding protesters, including former militia fights, end
their occupations of oilfields and ports in the Cyrenaica region. 67
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65 Libya Independent, ‘Libyan rebels shut down yet another oil refinery’, 14th November 2013.
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66 Ibid.
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64
10 | Richardson Institute
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12 | Richardson Institute