The New African Charter International (NACI) marked the 39th anniversary of the 1986 U.S. airstrikes on Libya with a public statement condemning foreign military interventions in Africa and urging an end to what it described as “neo-colonial exploitation.”
The bombings, codenamed Operation El Dorado Canyon, targeted Tripoli and Benghazi on April 15, 1986, in retaliation for alleged Libyan involvement in a Berlin discotheque attack that killed U.S. servicemen. The strikes, which killed 63 Africans including Muammar Gaddafi’s daughter, Hannah remain a flashpoint in discussions about Western intervention in Africa.
NACI President Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh accused NATO of perpetuating violence on the continent, linking the 1986 bombings to the alliance’s 2011 campaign that contributed to Gaddafi’s overthrow and death. “The current chaos in Libya stems from NATO’s disregard for African sovereignty,” Sankoh stated, demanding the dismantling of foreign military bases and an end to “resource looting” by external actors. The organization also criticized ongoing instability in the Sahel region, attributing it to foreign military presence and “terrorist outfits” backed by Western nations.
The statement highlighted Libya’s political trajectory since Gaddafi’s 1969 coup, noting decades of strained U.S.-Libya relations fueled by mutual accusations of terrorism. Operation El Dorado Canyon involved over 100 U.S. aircraft, including F-111s and carrier-based jets, which faced logistical challenges during the 3,500-mile mission. NACI reiterated calls for accountability, urging reparations for survivors and families of victims, many of whom suffered permanent disabilities.
While the U.S. and NATO have long defended their actions as counterterrorism measures, NACI framed the interventions as part of a broader pattern of undermining African self-determination. The group linked Libya’s turmoil to the assassination of “progressive leaders” and alleged Western “germ warfare” campaigns, though it provided no evidence for the latter claim.
Libya’s fragmented governance since 2011 has drawn scrutiny, with rival factions and foreign-backed militias vying for control. NACI’s commemoration coincides with renewed debates about Africa’s role in global geopolitics, particularly as nations push for reduced reliance on external security partnerships. Sankoh emphasized the need for “pan-African unity” to resist foreign influence, citing the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s instability as another consequence of external interference.
Historians note that Gaddafi’s legacy remains polarizing, with some praising his anti-imperialist stance and others condemning his authoritarian rule. Yet NACI’s statement reflects enduring grievances over Western military actions in Africa, resonating with movements advocating for post-colonial reparations and sovereignty. As Libya approaches four decades since the 1986 bombings, the call to honor victims underscores unresolved tensions between African autonomy and global power dynamics.
The New African Charter International, founded in 2025, positions itself as a advocate for continental unity and anti-imperialism. Its demands align with broader African Union initiatives to reduce foreign military footprints, though analysts caution that achieving such goals requires navigating complex geopolitical alliances. For now, the anniversary serves as a reminder of Libya’s turbulent history and the ongoing struggle to define its future.
