LIBYAN ACTIVITIES IN WEST AFRICA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84B00049R000200400058-8
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 19, 2007
• Sequence Number: 58
• Publication Date: February 12, 1982
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2007/11/19: CIA-RDP84B00049R000200400058-8
to/AF
12 February 1982
Libyan Activities in West Africa
With the exception of Ghana (where Libya moved quickly to
capitalize on the December 1981 military takeover), Libyan activities
in West Africa have been at a low level compared with efforts else-
where in Africa. In Ghana, the Libyans moved quickly after Flight
Lt. J.J. Rawlings seized power -- an official Libyan delegation
quickly arrived for a visit and consultations with the new govern-
ment, and Libyan cargo planes have averaged about two a week since
the coup d'etat. The new government almost immediately re-established
diplomatic relations with Ghana and the Libyans opened a People's
Bureau. The Libyan cargo planes are ostensibly bringing foodstuffs
and medical supplies but may also be carrying military equipment.
In other West African countries, Libya appears to be engaged
in a policy of subverting governments opposed to Libya, and en-
couraging and training dissidents from these countries. The other
main ally in this regard is Benin where the Libyan People's Bureau
numbers almost a 100 persons. Benin evidently serves as a transit
and recruiting point. for West African going to and returning from
Libya for subversive training.
These subversive efforts on the part of Libya have been directed
against Niger (where Libya has also encouraged rebellion by Tuareg
nomads in Niger), against Senegal (where Libya has offered a
Approved For Release 2007/11/19: CIA-RDP84B00049R000200400058-8
 Approved For Release 2007/11/19: CIA-RDP84B00049R000200400058-8
haven and support to a leading oppositionist), Nigeria (where Libya
has bribed government officials and supported northern political
and religious groups), Mali (where Libya again is encouraging
rebellion by ethnic minorities), and Mauritania (where Libyan
political adventurism in support of pro-Libyans was so blatant,
the military faction opposed to the pro-Libyans moved quickly to
change the leadership. )
Approved For Release 2007/11/19: CIA-RDP84B00049R000200400058-8