Muammar Gaddafi: 15 years since the death of the Libyan leader

October 20 marks the 15th anniversary of the death of Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled Libya for 42 years following a military coup in 1969. Gaddafi was captured and killed near his hometown of Sirte during the Libyan civil war, an uprising fueled by the Arab Spring and supported by NATO military intervention.

Gaddafi’s long reign was characterized by significant infrastructure, healthcare, and education investments funded by oil wealth, as well as his role in establishing the African Union. However, his leadership was also defined by political repression, human rights abuses, and frequent confrontations with Western powers.

Since his death, Libya has struggled to achieve lasting stability, instead facing years of armed conflict, rival administrations, and deep political divisions. His legacy remains a subject of intense debate regarding sovereignty, foreign intervention, and the long-term consequences of his rule.