Gadaffi’s Scramble Alarms Cairo (Press, 4 February 1981)

On 4 February 1981, concerns over Colonel Muammar Gadaffi’s expanding influence in Africa are highlighted, particularly in Cairo, where President Anwar Sadat expresses alarm over the potential instability this could create for neighbouring Sudan. Sadat's worries stem from Gadaffi's recent decision to merge Libya and Chad, which is further exacerbated by their longstanding personal animosity since their failed union attempt in 1976. This animosity has roots in a brief war between their armies, with Gadaffi blaming Sadat for betraying the ideals of former Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser, who advocated for socialism and Arab unity. Sadat characterises Gadaffi as a dangerous, unpredictable figure whose ambitions greatly exceed his ideological claims. Egyptian media reflects these sentiments, with the “Egyptian Gazette” deriding Gadaffi in derogatory terms. Besides personal tensions, there are significant strategic conflicts between Egypt and Libya. Cairo perceives Gadaffi, potentially supported by the Soviet Union, as seeking to establish a dominantly Libyan Saharan or sub-Saharan confederation. Egyptian officials point to Gadaffi's backing of the Polisario Front in Western Sahara, an ill-fated invasion of Tunisia in 1979, and a coup attempt in Gambia as further evidence of his ambitions. The Egyptian government fears that a Libyan-led Saharan empire could disrupt the delicate stability of Sudan, which Cairo views as its vulnerable flank in Africa. This concern is compounded by Egyptian suspicions that Gadaffi acts as a pawn for the Soviet Union, which Sadat believes is orchestrating a broader plan to encircle Egypt. In response to the situation in Chad, where Gadaffi has achieved notable successes, Sadat seeks to galvanise African nations against the Libyan leader. Countries such as Senegal, Cameroon, and Nigeria have shown disapproval of Gadaffi's involvement in Chad. To further counter Gadaffi’s influence, President Sadat has pledged Egyptian military support to Sudan should it become necessary and intends to supply arms to Mr Hissene Habre, the former defence minister of Chad, who is presently assembling an opposition force in Cameroon. Cairo is reportedly considering establishing a Chad Government-in-exile and is deliberating on an appropriate location for its capital, indicating a strategic move to counter Gadaffi’s advances. Overall, the dynamics between Egypt and Libya reflect deep-seated personal and strategic rivalries that threaten regional stability in Africa.

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