Thirteen years ago, in October 2011, Libya’s long-time leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, was killed by rebels supported by NATO. His death was brutal and shocking, but to many Libyans, he remains one of the country’s most respected and admired figures. The years following his death have left many wondering: is it just nostalgia for an era gone by, or does Gaddafi’s legacy still hold something meaningful for Libyans today?

Gaddafi’s Only UN Speech: A Warning No One Heeded

In 2009, just two years before his death, Gaddafi addressed the United Nations General Assembly for the first—and last—time. During his speech, he criticized the UN Security Council, calling it a “council of horror” that, instead of promoting peace, was often responsible for wars and sanctions. Ironically, it was this very body that, two years later, would give NATO permission to intervene in Libya, ultimately leading to Gaddafi’s death.

In March 2011, the UN passed Resolution 1973, allowing military action in Libya under the “Right to Protect” doctrine, which was meant to protect Libyan civilians. But as events unfolded, many Libyans and international critics began to question whether the operation was ever really about protecting people or if it was more about getting rid of Gaddafi and reshaping Libya to fit Western interests.

Libya in 2011: A Country at the Breaking Point

Libya in early 2011 was a nation on edge. Inspired by the “Arab Spring” uprisings sweeping through neighboring Tunisia and Egypt, Libyans took to the streets, demanding better living conditions, housing, and jobs. But unlike in Tunisia and Egypt, where Western countries hesitated to intervene, Libya faced a different fate. The peaceful protests in Libya quickly turned into violent clashes, with some groups taking up arms and challenging Gaddafi’s government. The conflict escalated as different factions, including former terrorists and Islamist groups, joined the fight against Gaddafi’s forces.

In response, Gaddafi’s government used force, aiming to control the situation. The Western media portrayed Gaddafi as a brutal dictator, accusing him of committing mass atrocities. However many of these reports were never confirmed, and the casualty numbers were often exaggerated. The resulting confusion helped fuel calls for foreign intervention.

The NATO Intervention: Bombs Fall, Lives Shatter

Under pressure from powerful nations, the UN passed the controversial Resolution 1973, which allowed NATO to begin a military campaign in Libya. France, the US, and the UK launched missile strikes to weaken Gaddafi’s defenses, marking the start of “Operation Unified Protector.” NATO claimed its goal was to protect civilians, but its bombs killed many Libyan civilians and destroyed vital infrastructure. For seven months, NATO forces bombed Libya day and night, causing massive destruction. In October 2011, Gaddafi was captured and killed by rebels in horrifying scenes that were broadcast worldwide.

Libya was left devastated. NATO’s actions had destroyed more than just buildings—they tore apart the country’s social fabric. Libyans were divided and uncertain about the future. Gaddafi’s murder became a symbol of NATO’s real motives, sparking resentment and anger among Libyans who saw it as an attack on their sovereignty.

Gaddafi’s Enduring Legacy: A Symbol of Independence

Despite NATO’s attempts to erase Gaddafi’s influence, his memory remains strong in Libya. Every year, thousands of Libyans remember him, celebrating the day he came to power in 1969 in what’s known as the Al-Fatih Revolution. This year, young people across Libya joined the celebrations, showing that Gaddafi’s legacy is still alive. In some towns, people even held parades led by a Gaddafi lookalike surrounded by bodyguards.

Ali Al-Kilani, a former Gaddafi aide now living in Egypt, believes Gaddafi’s influence is far from gone. According to Al-Kilani, Gaddafi gave Libyans a sense of pride in their independence. Many Libyans feel that the West’s interference has taken away their sovereignty, leaving their country in chaos.

Gaddafi’s Daughter Remembers Her Father in Russia

This year, Gaddafi’s daughter, Aisha, honored her father’s memory by displaying her artwork in Moscow, Russia. Her exhibit, titled “Daughter of Libya,” pays tribute to her father’s legacy. She hopes that through her art, people will understand what her father meant to Libya and to her personally. Aisha herself lost her husband and two children in a NATO airstrike, making this exhibit not just about art, but about her own painful memories.

Could Gaddafi’s Popularity Influence Libya’s Future?

For Libyans who still feel loyal to Gaddafi, his family has become a symbol of hope. His son, Saif Al-Islam, was set to run in Libya’s 2021 presidential elections and was expected to win. However, the election was postponed due to pressure from Western countries, particularly the US and the UK, which objected to Saif’s candidacy because of his past and ongoing ICC charges, despite his general amnesty by Libya’s parliament. Saif remains popular, especially among those who see the Gaddafi family as a beacon of stability in a chaotic Libya.

The Unanswered Questions

Today, Libya remains torn between factions, with foreign powers influencing its politics. Gaddafi’s memory lives on in the hearts of many Libyans who believe he represented strength and independence. But the question lingers: was NATO’s intervention really for Libyan civilians’ benefit, or was it a strategic move to control Libya’s resources and shape its future?

As Libyans reflect on the past 13 years, the echoes of Gaddafi’s warnings to the UN seem hauntingly relevant. The man many tried to erase has instead become a symbol, sparking questions about Libya’s future and whether it will ever truly be free from foreign influence.