Lessons from Death of Muammar Ghaddafi

Lessons from Death of Muammar Ghaddafi

On Thursday, the world was greeted with the news of the death of former Libyan leader, Muammer Ghaddhafi following intensified fighting between Libyan forces and pockets of loyalists of the departed leader.

The demise of Ghaddafi effectively brought to an end a 42- year old regime of oppression, dictatorship, and human rights violations.

Ghaddafi’s ignominious exit raises the specter of dictatorship in Africa and its inglorious reward. The list is long: Mobutu Sese Seko of former Zaire, Idi Amin of Uganda, Sani Abacha of Nigeria, Samuel Doe of Liberia, and lately Mubarak of Egypt and Ben Ali of Tunisia. These leaders either lost their lives or prestige in desperate but unsuccessful bid to retain power.

Why do some African leaders cling to power to the point of death? What are the benefits (if any) of Ghaddafi’s death to the people of Libya, Africa, and the world? Does Ghaddafi’s death provide a teachable moment to others like him in the continent?

Join Africa Public Square to discuss these and other issues related to the demise of the former Libyan strongman.

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