608 Chapter 5
MID#3126
Dispute Number: 3126
Date(s): July 12, 1977 to September 10, 1977
Participants: 651 Egypt/620 Libya
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: 101–250 deaths
Narrative: Egypt and Libya planned to unite in 1972, but Libya’s leader Qaddafi
accused Egypt of adopting too many Western values that contradicted Islam. Tensions
increased again in 1973 when Egypt agreed to a ceasefire with Israel after the October
1973 war. In 1977, tensions rose again as Libya acquired numerous arms from the
Soviet Union. Egypt became concerned about Qaddafi’s intentions toward resource
and land-rich Sudan and the Egyptian regime. Egypt accused Libya of helping to
incite food riots in January 1977 and of numerous assassination plots to overthrow
the Egyptian government.
The dispute became militarized when Libya attacked Egyptian outposts along the
border in July 1977. Egypt retaliated and attacked Libya after the Soviet Union issued
a series of warnings that apparently provoked an Egyptian attack. After several intense
clashes, the two states agreed to mediate the dispute, and the talks ended the intense
hostilities along the border. Both countries withdrew forces from along the border on
September 10. The truce and peace talks were effective until November 1977, when
Libya said it would no longer recognize the Egyptian government if Egypt’s President
Sadat attended talks with Israeli’s Prime Minister Begin in Jerusalem. In December
1977, Egypt responded by cutting ties with Libya.
Coding changes: Outcome changed from Unclear. Settlement changed from None.
MID#2743
Dispute Number: 2743
Date(s): August 6, 1978 to August 8, 1978
Participants: 651 Egypt/620 Libya
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Egypt began military maneuvers and put its forces on alert against pos-
sible incursions by Libyan forces. Libya was angry that Egypt had begun a rapproche-
ment with Israel.
MID#3001
Dispute Number: 3001
Date(s): February 1979 to May 14, 1979
Participants: 651 Egypt/620 Libya
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None