Political Agreements between the Senoussi Movement and the Italian Occupation in Libya during (1915–1925) — An Analytical Historical Study

Abstract

This study examines the political agreements between the Senussi Movement and the Italians during the period (1915–1925), a significant phase in the modern history of Libya that witnessed major political and military transformations affecting the Libyan resistance against Italian occupation. The study aims to analyze the political and military circumstances that led the Senussi Movement to negotiate and conclude agreements with Italy, while highlighting the role of international powers, particularly Britain and France, in shaping these negotiations. It also seeks to explain the transformation of the Senussi Movement from a religious reform movement into an influential political force in Libya. The research relies on the historical analytical method through tracing historical events and analyzing political documents and correspondence related to the Senussi-Italian agreements, in addition to consulting several Arabic and foreign references. The study concludes that the political agreements between the Senussi Movement and the Italians were the result of complex internal and external conditions, including the military weakness of the Libyan resistance, the Italian and British blockade imposed on Cyrenaica, and the decline of Ottoman support after the Treaty of Ouchy of 1912. The study also reveals that Idris al-Senussi adopted a more flexible and pragmatic policy compared to Ahmed, which facilitated negotiations with the European powers. The study further concludes that these agreements contributed to strengthening the political position of the Senussi Movement and paved the way for its recognition as an influential political entity at both regional and international levels.