Political Relations and Border Problems between Libya and Sudan: A Study in Political Geography

Abstract

This research examines the political borders between the State of Libya and the Republic of Sudan by tracing their historical formation and development. It begins with the period when Libya was part of the Ottoman Empire, from the mid-sixteenth century, and continues through the Italian colonization of Libya in 1911. Italy played a significant role in the demarcation of Libya’s political borders with its neighboring countries in general.

The study reveals that a large part of Libya’s borders consists of long, straight geometric lines extending across vast desert areas that are almost uninhabited. This geographical characteristic has created several political, security, and territorial challenges. The research also examines the development of political relations between Libya and Sudan, which have fluctuated over the years between periods of rapprochement and cooperation and periods of tension and divergence, depending on the political and regional changes experienced by both countries.

The research concludes with a number of findings concerning the nature of the political borders and bilateral relations between Libya and Sudan. It also presents several recommendations that could contribute to enhancing the stability of Libya’s land borders in general and strengthening political and security cooperation between Libya and Sudan, provided that these recommendations are implemented by the competent authorities.