It is believed that there are currently 140 different tribes in Libya. Tribes and clans that have demonstrable influence in the country are about 30 or 32. Colonel Gaddafi belongs to the Gaddafi tribe. Majority of Libyans depend on the tribal connections which is the source of their rights. Largest and most influential among them are 2 tribes Bani Salim and Bani Hilal, settled near Tripoli.
The Magriha tribe has very close ties with Col. Gaddafi for the past 40 years, during his regime and indebted to him. According to experts, the Magriha tribe is in a best position to carry on the coup against Gaddafi and overthrow him, but even to this day, this Tribe is silent and a mute witness to the demonstrations and protests. Many members of this tribe are in important positions in the administration and in security services. The top leadership of the Magriha tribe is indebted to Col. Gaddafi and acknowledge the same to this day.
The Zawiya tribe is also one of the strongest tribes in Libya. It is also alleged that they even threatened to stop the oil flow in Western Libya if crackdown on protestors do not stop.
Eastern Libya is under the influence of Misurata tribe with strong influence in Benghazi and Darneh.
Kargala, Tawajeer and Ramla tribes have their presence in Cyrenaica region.
The Misurata region is further divided into traditional tribes still following tribal culture and traditions and those who have given up tribal culture and do not live anymore as Bedouins and have taken up city life. Prominent among them who have discarded their tribal culture are el Mahjoub clan, the Zamoura family, Kawafi tribe, the Dababisa tribe, Zawaiya tribe, Sawalih tribe and the Al-Jarsha tribe.
The Kawar tribe originating from Kaouar region is made up of 15 small tribes.
The Al-awaqir tribe which plays an important role in the present Gaddafi regime holding senior positions has a long history. It held similar positions during its era of monarchy and also played an important role during wars against Ottoman and even Italian colonialsim.
Abdiyat tribe and some other tribes have their presence in Tobruk region consisting of more than 15 tribes. The Masamir tribe is also an important tribe in this region.
Al Mujabra tribe is important in south-west of Tripoli, near Al Gharbi district. Libyan head of Army, Brigadier General Abu Bark Younis Jaber belongs to this tribe.
The tribe Farjan is centred in Ajdabiya and in coastal areas like Silte, Ziten and Tripoli.
Zawiya, Warfala, Magriha and Mastala tribes are strong around Tripoli with Majority of people in Tripoli city belong to Masrata tribe which inturn is composed of Muntasir, Suni, Qadi and al-Bashti families among other prominent families.
This is the chequered tribal map of Libyan populace. Except for the 15% of Libyan populace which doesn’t have any affiliations, being largely the descendants of original Berbers, Turkish and other communities, the whole of Libya is basically tribal. The intra-tribal relations play an important role in Libyan politics and each tribe has a place according to their numbers and the ferocity and religious piety.
To be continued…
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