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Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, was laid to rest in the city of Bani Walid following his death in Zintan, marking a moment of renewed historical reflection on Libya’s political past and the legacy of the Gaddafi era. Thousands of mourners attended the funeral, including supporters of the former Libyan government, as the burial took place beside his late brother. The ceremony drew attention not only for its turnout but also for its symbolism, reopening discussions about a period that shaped Libya’s modern political history. A Funeral That Reopened History The burial in Bani Walid, a city long associated with loyalty to the former government, became a focal point for reflection on Libya’s past leadership and the years preceding the 2011 uprising. The presence of former regime supporters and the display of historical symbols underscored the enduring influence of the Gaddafi period in parts of Libyan society. Read Also: Why the Killing of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Matters for Libya How Muammar Gaddafi’s Son, Saif al-Islam, was Killed in Zintan Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Strengthen Unity with Launch of AES Television While the funeral remained largely ceremonial, it highlighted how deeply the legacy of the former political order continues to resonate more than a decade after its collapse. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi’s Public Role Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was one of the most visible figures of Libya’s leadership in the years leading up to 2011. Educated abroad, he played a prominent role in international engagement and domestic political discussions, particularly during the 2000s. He was frequently associated with government reform initiatives and represented the Libyan state in high-level dialogues with foreign governments and international institutions. His public standing placed him at the center of national attention during Libya’s most turbulent political period. Libya Under Muammar Gaddafi: Historical Context Libya under Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled from 1969 until 2011, operated within a centralized political framework shaped by revolutionary governance structures. Political authority was tightly controlled, and state institutions functioned under a system that did not accommodate formal opposition parties. Throughout the late 20th century, the government relied on public trials, executions, and extensive state surveillance as part of its governance approach. Events such as the 1996 incident at Abu Salim prison later became significant reference points in discussions about state authority and political control in Libya. The 2011 Uprising and a Turning Point When nationwide protests broke out in February 2011, Saif al-Islam addressed Libyans in a nationally broadcast speech, outlining the leadership’s position on the unfolding crisis. His remarks focused on national unity, economic stability, and the risks associated with political fragmentation. During this period, some segments of the population viewed him as a possible intermediary between the state and the protesters, given his earlier involvement in reform-oriented initiatives. However, he remained aligned with the existing leadership structure as events rapidly unfolded. Burial as a Moment of National Memory The funeral of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi has since been viewed as more than a private burial. For many Libyans, it served as a moment to revisit the political era that ended in 2011 and to reflect on the long-term consequences of that transition. As Libya continues to navigate its post-revolution identity, events such as this funeral highlight how history, memory, and political legacy remain deeply intertwined. A Figure in Libya’s Modern History Saif al-Islam Gaddafi’s life and death are closely linked to one of the most transformative periods in Libya’s history. His burial in Bani Walid has reinforced his place in the national narrative, not only as the son of a former leader but as a public figure whose story remains part of Libya’s ongoing historical discourse. (Libya Herald)

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of Libya’s former leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed in the northwestern city of Zintan, family members and associates have confirmed. He was 53. The killing, which occurred on Tuesday, has renewed attention on Libya’s fragile security situation and its unresolved political crisis more than a decade after the fall of the Gaddafi regime. What Transpired in Zintan? According to Saif al-Islam’s adviser, Abdallah Othman Abdurrahim, four armed men stormed his residence in Zintan after disabling surveillance cameras and shot him dead before fleeing. No official statement has yet been issued by Libyan authorities. His cousin, Hamid Gaddafi, told Libyan broadcaster al-Ahrar that the family was informed Saif al-Islam had “fallen as a martyr.” Why Zintan matters Zintan is a mountainous city where Saif al-Islam was previously held by local militias following his capture during the 2011 uprising that toppled his father. The city has long played a complex role in Libya’s post-revolution power struggles. Who was Saif al-Islam Gaddafi? Educated in Libya and abroad, Saif al-Islam was once portrayed as a reform-minded figure and was widely seen as Muammar Gaddafi’s preferred successor before the Arab Spring. Although he never held a formal government position, he was often described as a de facto power broker in the years leading up to the 2011 revolt. Read Also: How Muammar Gaddafi’s Son, Saif al-Islam, was Killed in Zintan Chad Closes Border With Nigeria Over Security Concerns, Cites U.S. Military Movements in West Africa Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Strengthen Unity with Launch of AES Television His political standing collapsed during the uprising after he delivered a defiant speech warning of “rivers of blood” if protests against the regime continued. His legal and political history After his capture in November 2011, Saif al-Islam became the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes linked to the violent suppression of protests. In 2015, a Libyan court sentenced him to death in a controversial trial, but he was later released under an amnesty law. For years, his whereabouts remained unclear until he resurfaced in 2021 to register as a presidential candidate in Libya’s delayed elections, which were later postponed indefinitely amid legal disputes and political deadlock. Why his death matters Analysts say Saif al-Islam’s killing could have far-reaching political implications. Libya expert Emadeddin Badi described him as a deeply polarising figure whose possible return to power had become a central issue in the country’s stalled electoral process. His death, analysts argue, could elevate him as a symbolic figure for supporters of the former regime while reshaping political calculations ahead of any future elections. Libya remains divided between a UN-backed government in Tripoli and rival authorities in the east aligned with military commander Khalifa Haftar, with no clear resolution to the country’s prolonged instability.