ABSTRACT
The United Kingdom of Libya proclaimed its independence on 24 December
1951. It was the first African state to achieve independence from European rule
and the first and only state created by the UN General Assembly. The United
Kingdom of Libya was influenced by early twentieth century efforts at state
formation, including the Congress of Aziziyya (1912), the Tripoli Republic
(1918), and the Sanusi Amirate (1920), and also by the activities and experi-
ences of Libyan exiles in 1911-51. International forces, including Four Power
talks during and after World War II and the belated role of the United Nations,
later combined with domestic forces to shape a precarious statehood. Once
independence was achieved, the United Kingdom of Libya faced a myriad of
challenges and difficulties which eventually led to its demise in 1969.
