The Chadian-Libyan conflict (29 January 1978-11 September 1987) was a series of sporadic clashes between Libyan and Chadian forces during the late 1970s and the 1980s. In 1978, 1979, 1980-1981, and from 1983-1987, Libya intervened militarily in Chadian politics, hoping to create an Islamic jamahiriya that would maintain close ties with the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, cede the Aouzou Strip to Libya, expel the French from the region, and extend Libyan influence into Central Africa. Libya provided armor, artillery, and air support to the socialist FROLINAT rebels during their struggle against Francois Tombalbaye's dictatorship, and they succeeded in installing Hissene Habre as the new Chadian leader in 1981. However, Habre was also opposed to Libyan meddling in Chadian affairs, and he received military aid from France and the United States and combat support from Egypt and Sudan. In 1986, during the last phase of the conflict, Chadian forces united against Libya in a rare display of solidarity, depriving the Libyans of their Chadian infantry allies. The Chadians used US and French anti-tank and anti-air missiles to inflict devastating losses on the invading Libyans, who were routed and expelled from Chad in 1987. 7,500+ Libyans were killed and 1,000+ captured, while 800+ armored vehicles and 28+ aircraft were lost; the Chadians lost 1,000+ dead. Habre's Western-backed dictatorship would later be overthrown by Libyan-backed rebels in 1990, ushering in Idriss Deby's regime.
Advertisement