Page 290 - A Helping Hand for Refugees

Libya is one of the most critically important countries on the
African continent. It possesses significant natural gas, oil and under-
ground water reserves. It is also in the middle of the continent's trade
routes. When conflict began in 2011 the country had no foreign debts
and enjoyed a decent economic state of affairs.

Libya, which gained importance due to its tribes, is now endan-
gered by the same tribalism today. Tribes on the African continent
extend right down as far as the South African border: Tribal conflicts
therefore affect a large number of countries, from Senegal to Chad and

Sudan. The overthrow of Gaddafi triggered an eruption of tribalism
and regionalism in the country. Several countries that share borders
and interact with Libya are today looking at Libya with grave concern.

The UN played an important role in the birth of the Libyan problem

288 A Helping Hand for Refugees