Libya–South Africa relations

Libya–South Africa relations refer to the current and historical relationship between Libya and South Africa.

Libyan-South African relations

Libya	South Africa

Political relations

• 1969-1994 - Gaddafi regime in Libya hostile to South African apartheid government, supporting anti-apartheid movements and ANC military training.^[1]
• 1990 - Nelson Mandela visits Gaddafi to thank him for support.^[2]
• 1994 - After apartheid ends, South Africa's ANC government shifts to friendly relations with Libya.^[3]
• 1994 - Mandela invites Gaddafi to his swearing-in ceremony, despite Western criticism.^[4]
• 1997 - South Africa bestows the Order of Good Hope on Gaddafi.^[5]
• 2011 - South Africa criticizes NATO's intervention in Libya; and supports African Union's peace plan.^[6]
• 2024 - Libya joins South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).^[7]

Military Relations

• 1970s-1990s - Libya provides military training and financial support to ANC combatants.^[1]
• 2011 - South Africa opposes NATO bombing of Gaddafi forces, maintains support for Gaddafi's government.^[8]

Economic relations

• 1994 - Bilateral trade and investment between South Africa and Libya increase significantly post-apartheid.^[3]
• 2011 - Post Gaddafi, South Africa slows to recognize the NTC; and is reluctant to unfreeze $1.5 billion of Libyan assets.^[9]