Amazigh in Libya: From Gaddafi's Denial to New Libya's Crippling Silence

First Published: 2012-09-10
Amazigh in Libya: From Gaddafi's Denial to New Libya's Crippling Silence

Recently the use of the term "Arab spring" intentionally mischaracterises the demographics of the region. The Amazigh played an integral role in the fight against Gaddafi, and helped topple his regime and their brigades took part in the liberation of Tripoli, argues Mohamed Eljarh.

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=54286

Amazigh are indigenous inhabitants of Libya with a cultural heritage that spans over thousands of years in the North African country. Their existence in Libya predates that of the Arabs by thousands of years. However, they have suffered from continuous attempts to destroy their heritage, culture and identity throughout history.

Historically the Amazigh survived different invasions to their land, and managed to protect their heritage, culture and identity. However, there seems to have been clear decline in the distinct Amazigh culture and identity post the Islamisation of North Africa, when Arab took on the duty of spreading Islam to the rest of the world. Following the Islamisation of North Africa and subsequently Libya, the Arabisation of the Amazigh inhabitants became more radical and there was huge decline in the Amazigh identity and presence in Libya. Current estimation of the Amazigh population in Libya is in the region of 5-10% of the entire population.

Furthermore, Amazigh suffered greatly under Gaddafi's regime, as he repeatedly and on many occasions denied the existence of Amazigh in Libya. In addition, Gaddafi always stressed that Amazigh tribes have totally disappeared and that their language Tamazight is insignificant, and criticized radio broadcasts in Tamazight from countries like Morocco. He also, accused Amazigh Congress of having western agenda to destabilize the region and use the Amazigh issue as strategic and political bargaining chip.

More recently, regional and western media and literature have been harsh to the Amazigh culture and existence in North Africa, by using terms such as "Arab Maghreb" a term that used during the rise of Arab nationalism in the region. In addition, recently the use of the term "Arab spring" intentionally mischaracterises the demographics of the region. The Amazigh played an integral role in the fight against Gaddafi, and helped topple his regime and their brigades took part in the liberation of Tripoli. However, using labels such as the "Arab spring" disregards the valuable contribution of Amazigh in Libya during the revolution.

Also recently, Libya's current foreign minister Ben Khayal made unfortunate remarks supporting the name "The Arab Maghreb" which as stated earlier mischaracterises the actual demographics of the region, and denies existences of other ethnic groups like the Amazigh.

Libya has a young population, majority of which lived under Gaddafi's regime. Thus, many Libyans lacked awareness about Amazigh heritage, culture and identity. There is no surprise there as Gaddafi repeatedly and continuously denied the existence of Amazigh in Libya, and deprived them from their cultural and identity rights.

Many of the Amazigh I speak to fear that the rest in Libya does not value their contribution to revolution in Libya. The previous National Transitional Council made numerous promises vague promises that the rights of the Amazigh would ensure and protected without guarantees or elaboration on the matter of any kind.

On numerous occasions, Amazigh in Libya demonstrated peacefully to make their voice heard to Libya's new political elite. However, politicians continuously choose to ignore the Amazigh calls and demands. The issue is socially sensitive as to the majority of Arabs in Libya, Amazigh culture and identity does not exist, just like Gaddafi propaganda machine made them believe. In addition, there is still a sense of Arab nationalism amongst Libyans, which make it harder for them to accept and acknowledge the existence and rights of the Amazigh in Libya.

The concept of diversity is an alien to Libya and Libyans. Some of my Arab friends view the acknowledgement of the Amazigh culture and identity in the constitution as a threat to the Arab authority and control in the region, and subsequently threat to the existence of Arab identity and culture.

The Amazigh in Libya would like to see their culture, heritage and identity safeguarded and protected by the country's constitution. This could prove to be hard to achieve, the furthest the constitution would possibly go in this regard is by clearing up some of the vague statements made by the previous National Transitional Council in its Constitutional Declaration.

If the leaders of the new Libya are serious about supporting the Amazigh and their cause, and are ready to protect their rights, then the constitution should not fall short from naming Tamazight as one of the main languages in the country. In addition, clear and precise statements concerning the protection of the Amazigh culture, heritage and identity.

Instead of official silence toward the issue, Libyan authorities should start campaigns to educate people about the importance and beauty of diversity. Libyans need to appreciate the importance of the Amazigh heritage and culture; the picture painted by Gaddafi and his propaganda machine needs reversing by educating people and telling the truth.

The silence and ignorance by authorities, officials and politicians in the new Libya constitutes acceptance of Gaddafi's denial of the Amazigh language, culture and identity. Therefore, Libya should be upfront about this issue, and address in the most appropriate manner through dialogue, tolerance and understanding between Arabs and Amazigh.

New Libya should view diversity and multiculturalism as source of strength and wealth, and celebrate it. Diversity will bring much needed tolerance, understanding and respect to the Libyan society.

Mohamed Eljarh is a UK based Libyan academic researcher and political, social development activist. He is from the city of Tobruk in Eastern Libya. [ m.eljarh@yahoo.co.uk]. Follow me on Twitter: @Eljarh