Libya’s National Transitional Council announced on Tuesday 25 October that the bodies of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi, his son Mutassim and the Minister for Defence were buried in a secret location in the desert, some five days after they died in the hands of rebels.
The burial brings to a violent close the struggle by the former leader to retain control of the country, following the eight-month-long armed rebellion against his 42 years of brutal rule. His death and those of his family and aids raised hopes that the country will move forward towards democracy.
While we do not in any way condone the killing of Gaddafi – the manner of which is under scrutiny by human rights groups – we nevertheless believe that his violent end is a lesson for tyrannical leaders who are desperately gripping on to power.
Particular mention must be made here of Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe – two close friends of Gaddafi. But they still have an opportunity to avoid the same fate as their Libyan colleague by implementing reforms.
Considering what has been happening in north Africa and beyond, it is in their best interests to change their ways.
