Now, they virtually own the economy. The problem arises when an African aspires for or lives the same life-style. Historically, Liberian politicians prefer to accept crumbs from Lebanese than empower their people in commerce or industry. With over a million Africans swarming Libya in search of an illusive good life denied them at home, the Libyans felt threatened and took action to defend their privileges. But it was more than that.
Racism is at the core of the attacks.
Libyans were amongst the most brutal of Arab slavers. Winning and dinning on Libya petro-dollars at OAU meetings and the accompanying lofty pronouncements of oneness, cannot change a slave master's mentality cemented by centuries of slave trade. It was only a matter of time for this deep hatred and contempt, always found amongst people victimized by harsh economic realities, to explode. We see it in the Ivory Coast, where even the wretched of Ivorians, believe foreigners have caused their wretchedness. Black South Africans loath Africans because they see them as threats to their jobs.