The Libyan askaris on the eve of national independence: two life stories across different strategies of intermediation

ABSTRACT

Italian colonial authorities heavily relied on the askaris (i.e. native soldiers) throughout the history of colonialism to alleviate the economic and political burdens of colonial warfare. For that, the askaris became privileged intermediaries for the Italians and emerged as a de facto elite within colonial society, seeking social mobility for themselves and their families. After the end of the Second World War, the askaris lost their role as soldiers, but gained new relevance as political intermediaries for Italian or British plans regarding the final resolution of the Italian colonies affaire. The article delves into the life stories of two askaris, which were documented by the author on 3rd November 2009, in Tripoli. Their memories highlight the relationships of friendship or intimacy that existed with the colonisers and showcase the askaris’ ability to downplay colonial elements of domination and oppression through their intermediation. Being an askar entailed, on one hand, questioning the political and racial boundaries of society, and on the other hand, challenging the agendas of nationalist groups. The transition to independence indeed involved a struggle between colonisers and the colonised, as well as among various groups of colonial subjects, all vying for power within the post-colonial State and society.

KEYWORDS:

• Askaris
• Libya
• Italian colonialism
• mobilities
• racism

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Memo from Military secret service, 12 November 1949. Archivio Storico Diplomatico del Ministero degli Affari Esteri (ASDMAE), Rome. Affari Politici (AP). Ufficio (Uf) III: 1946-50, b. 52.

2 Memo for the Ministry of Italian Africa, 26 September 1949. ASDMAE. AP. Uf III: 1946-50, b. 52.

3 Memo from Military secret service, 12 November 1949. ASDMAE. AP. Uf III: 1946-50, b. 52.

4 Letter from Mr. Brusasca to the Ministry of Italian Africa, 31 March 1949. Archivio Centrale dello Stato (ACS). Archivio Storico del Ministero dell’Africa Italiana (ASMAI): b.61.

5 Despatch n. 697/229 from the Italian Embassy in Tripoli to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2 Marth 1956. ASDMAE. AP. Uf III: 1951-56, b. 17.

6 In 1948, the Libyan askaris coming mostly from Tripolitania counted up to 101 units. Nominal list of colonial soldiers in service at the Deposito misto in Naples, 1 November 1948. ACS. ASMAI: b. 2042.

7 Memo of the Ministry of Italian Africa, 13 August 1948. ACS. ASMAI: b.2041.

8 Despatch from Mr. Moreno to the Ministry of Defence, no date. ACS. ASMAI: 2042.

9 Letter from Mr. Moro to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 20 September 1949. ACS. ASMAI: 2041.

10 Letter from Mr. Zanotti to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cc. Ministry of Italian Africa, 25 November 1949. ACS. ASMAI: b. 2042, f. 45.14. Division Admiral Franco Zanotti was Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Defense.

11 Memo for the Director of the Ministry of Italian Africa, 16 March 1949. ACS, ASMAI: 2041.

12 Memo of the Political Affairs Division, 19 July 1956. ASDMAE. AP. Uf III: 1946-1950, b. 195.

13 Official Parliamentary Record, Consulta nazionale. Plenary, 21 January 1946.

14 Official Parliamentary Record, Camera dei Deputati. Proceedings, 4 February 1950.

15 Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana, General Series 40, 18 February 2009.