Warfalla

The Warfalla (also: Warfala or Warf Allah ) are a tribe in Libya. He is about one million members include (February 2011) and would be one of the biggest tribes in Libya. Many of the members of the tribe live in Bani Walid.

Attempted coup

Many members of the security forces of Libya are members of the Warfalla tribe. On the attempted coup in 1993 many officers of the Warfalla tribe were involved. They felt allegedly discriminated against Gaddafi's tribe. After the failure of many tribal members were arrested, tortured and executed.

Arab Spring

At the beginning of the uprising in Libya, 2011, the tribal leaders should have announced that they would join the opponents of Muammar al - Gaddafi. According to press reports, they also convinced members of the Tuareg of the way. Both observers evaluated as a crucial weakening Gaddafi. On March 17 was then reported in the Libyan state television, however, the tribal leader of the Warfalla have called for the support of Gaddafi.

On April 27, was published in Paris by Bernard- Henri Lévy, a statement of use to leaders or representatives of 61 tribes, including the Warfalla tribe, for a united, democratic Libya without Gaddafi. Levy noted that although there are some groups in conflict on the issue admit, but the basic attitude is correct.

In negotiating a peaceful surrender of Bani Walid to the rebels in early September 2011, the tribal leader of the Warfalla were again not ready to give up the city without a fight. As one of the last towns in Libya it was under the control of Gaddafi loyal troops. But even among the rebel forces fought members of the Warfalla tribe.