This threat would probably increase when Khalifa Haftar, the patriarch of the family who is eighty, dies. His likely successor, Saddam's son, might have been hard to compete for loyalty in the face of a challenge from Saif al-Islam.
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Yusuf, Chairman of the African Union Commission
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Yusuf, Chairman of the African Union Commission, With deep concern received reports of the murder of a Libyan politician, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, committed on February 3, 2026 in the city of Zintan.
The President strongly condemns this act of violence, which risks further undermining efforts to achieve a credible and comprehensive political transition in Libya.
The President expresses his condolences to the family of the deceased, as well as to all those affected by the incident, and recalls the need to resolve political differences by peaceful and legitimate means.
His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Yusuf called on the Libyan authorities to respect the rule of law and ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this murder, as well as bringing the perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law.
The President also calls on all Libyan politicians to be restrained and calm and reaffirms the African Union's continued commitment to supporting the Libyan people and their institutions in their efforts to achieve a lasting, consensus-based and peaceful resolution of the political and security crisis that has affected the country since 2011.
United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)
UNSMIL (UNSMIL) Expresses deep concern over the February 3 murder of Mr. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi near the city of Zintan. His office announced that he was killed in a targeted attack on his residence. UNSMIL extends its condolences to his family.
The mission strongly condemns such targeted acts and all similar acts of violence that undermine the rule of law, violate the sanctity of human life and threaten peace and stability in Libya. The incident underscores the urgent need to investigate all such killings across the country.
UNSMIL urges the competent Libyan authorities to promptly and transparently investigate the crime in order to establish perpetrators and bring them to justice, and to take decisive measures to end this pattern of violence.
The mission also calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid any actions that may escalate tensions or jeopardize security and stability in the country, and stresses the need for a political solution for Libya as a means of achieving long-term stability and development.
President of the Presidential Council of Libya Mohammed Al-Menfi
President of the Presidential Council Mohammed al-Menfi He called on all political forces to exercise restraint and closely monitor the progress of official investigations into the murder of presidential candidate Seif al-Islam Muammar Gaddafi to ensure that no one escapes punishment.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mr. Menfi said: «We are deeply saddened by the statement of the Prosecutor’s Office regarding the murder and preliminary investigative actions initiated by the Prosecutor’s Office aimed at clarifying the circumstances and causes of the incident.». . . .
The head of the Presidential Council expressed his full understanding of the concerns expressed and welcomed the provision of the necessary technical support and experience within the legal framework to increase the transparency of investigations and accelerate their results, thereby strengthening public confidence.
This high-ranking representative expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and the respected caddaf tribe, calling on political, media and social forces to moderate in public statements and to refuse incitement aimed at undermining the very purpose of the murder, which was to disrupt efforts for national reconciliation and free and fair elections, in which the people will elect their leadership.
The head of the Presidential Council concluded his statement with the words: «Libya cannot be governed by violence or built on fear. Extrajudicial killings banned, Libyan blood precious and should not be spilled in vain». . . .
Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeib
Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeib He expressed his condolences today to the family of the late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and the Gaddafi tribe in connection with the death of Saif al-Islam Muammar Gaddafi.
In a post on his official Facebook page, Dbeiba said the killing of Libyan citizen Seif al-Islam Gaddafi serves as a reminder that Libyan blood, regardless of who it belongs to, remains a red line that cannot be crossed. He added that killings and exclusion never led to the creation of a state or stability, but only deepened the schism and burdened national memory with wounds.
The Prime Minister stressed that submission to the court and the state is a true guarantee of rights and the most authentic way to preserve life and dignity. He noted that the Libyan judicial system, despite all difficulties, remains an independent national institution and a stronghold of justice.
He added that Libya, which they seek to build, — It is a state of law and institutions where disputes are resolved through dialogue and the will of the people, not through violence or the repetition of the tragedies of the past.
The prime minister said Libya had already gone through such an approach at various stages of its history, and its consequence was the alienation of Libyans from the draft single state and the prolongation of the conflict. He called for maintaining trust in state institutions and the judiciary to uncover the whole truth and establish accountability, away from the logic of revenge or excuses.
Dbeiba said that this nation is large enough for anyone who sincerely chooses a single state under one flag, considering it a real opportunity for supporters of this movement to move from the logic of blocks to the logic of the state, based on breaking with the methods of the past and full adherence to the rules of the state and its institutions.
Dbeiba condemned any attempts to infringe on the right of the family of the deceased or the Gaddafi tribe to hold mourning ceremonies, limit the duty of human condolence between Libyans or introduce any security measures that violate human values and distinctive Libyan social customs.
The head of the media and legal group Seif Gaddafi Akila Dalkhova
The head of Seif Gaddafi’s media and legal group, Akila Dalhum, said Haftar’s forces prevented Seif from being buried in Sirte, putting forward a number of conditions he described as harsh and inhuman.
In a Facebook post, Dalhum explained that the terms included a ban on any expression of grief, a ban on displaying photos or any slogans associated with the safe, and a restriction on the mourning period for just three days.
He added that the decision was met with widespread rejection, noting that given the willingness of the residents of Bany Valid to take the body, it was decided to bury Saif in this city, where a number of members of his family live.
The Gaddafi family decided to bury Saif in the city of Bany Walid, one of the strongholds historically known for their loyalty to his father. Saadi Gaddafi, the brother of Saif al-Islam, confirmed that he would be buried in a cemetery in Bany Valid next to his brother Hamis, who was killed in 2011 during a revolution against their father's regime.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Local Self-Government of the Government of National Unity, Abdushafi al-Jufi, sent an official letter to the mayor of Bany-Walid calling for urgent measures to provide the necessary logistics means to complete the burial procedures of Saif al-Islam Muammar Gaddafi, based on a request from his family and instructions from the Prime Minister.
According to the letter, the Minister stressed the need to perform administrative and service procedures in accordance with the current laws and regulations, as well as to monitor the preparation and organization of the burial process in a manner consistent with humanitarian and social considerations.
Tim Eaton, Senior Research Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Program
Assassination of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi — The end of the political era in Libya
Saif al-Islam had little influence on the current government. But his presence still posed a political and potentially military threat to his rivals.
On Tuesday, February 3, news broke about the murder of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi. Four attackers reportedly entered his compound in Zintan and shot him. Events are like detective drama.
There are rumors about the perpetrators of the murder and their motives. What is the political significance of this event? Is it related to negotiations on a new government? Or a dispute over national reconciliation negotiations? Is this the result of a local conflict within the city of Zintan? Or could national players be involved?
Both the National Unity Government in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeiba, and the Khalifa Haftar family, dominating the east and south of the country, benefit from the death of the Safe. But no one has claimed responsibility for this act: it could lead to potential retaliation. So what does the murder of Libya in 2026 say? And what are its consequences?
A symbol of an alternative path for Libya
Saif al-Islam was the crown prince of his father, long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi. He has been at the center of Libyan politics since the 2000s, when he led the movement for reforms to liberalize the Libyan state. Many true supporters of the so-called «Green green green.» The camps viewed these efforts as contrary to his father's political philosophy. Some believed that the Saif program undermined the regime and contributed to its collapse.
A key moment for Saif came in 2011 when he turned to the nation as a rebellion against his father's power was gaining momentum. Faced with a choice between calling for de-escalation or weapons, Safe chose the latter. However, his words on that day continue to sound in the minds of Libyans. He predicted the collapse of the Libyan economy, foreign occupation, and «rivers of blood». . . .
Even for the proponents of the revolution, many elements of Saif’s prophecy came true. Dissatisfaction with the country's deplorable condition has led some who do not consider themselves supporters of the regime to sympathize with its situation and the question: were the 2011 elections correct?
The reaction to his death ranged from celebrating the death of a tyrant to anger over the murder of a future national leader. In this sense, the Safe represented the lack of confidence and anxiety that Libyans feel for their own future. More practical consequences arise from the death of the Safe.
The end of it. «The green ones» as a collective force
Saif al-Islam was the only figure capable of uniting «Green green green.» The electorate — A wide range of actors, from communities supporting Gaddafi to cities such as Sirte, Bany Walid and Sebha, to former regime elites in the areas of security and governance. Their importance as a political force has been the subject of constant debate. But few argue that Saif al-Islam was the only figure able to unite them.
After the defeat of their forces on the ground «People of Chateau» Gaddafi went into exile, was imprisoned or entered into new alliances. Authorities in both Tripoli and Benghazi have long sought to reintegrate former regime political and intelligence figures to enlist elite support. «The green one.» The layers. Safe's death is unlikely to change that dynamic.
«The Greens are» Some collective action continued during the discussions, particularly with regard to mediation efforts for reconciliation with international participation. But they are sporadic and do not have clear tangible results.
Elimination of political obstacles
The real threat from Saif al-Islam to his opponents came from his potential to influence, not from his current influence. After all, at the time of his death, he was largely confined to a house in Zintan. He was not safe even there.
But things were quite different in 2021, when Seif's return to the political scene triggered a political earthquake. Rivals feared that the Safe could win the election or at least have a significant impact on any new government as «The King's Maker». . . . His nomination in that year's presidential election was one of the reasons why those elections never took place.
There was... a feeling that in the event of an election announcement, the safe would reappear from the shadows and pose an updated threat.
Since then, Saif has played no meaningful role in Libya's political life. He had no political infrastructure and was not active in trying to form political alliances.
But, nevertheless, there was a sense that in the event of an election announcement, the Safe would reappear from the shadows and pose an renewed threat. Political opponents feared he could take votes not only from supporters of the former regime, but also from those who were tired of the current state of affairs. Removing it reduces these fears.
Future threat to Haftars
Ten years ago, the Libyan National Army (LNA) under the leadership of Khalifa Haftar began to establish ties with military commanders who fought on the side of the former regime. It was part of a strategy to strengthen control over central and southern Libya.
Getting out of the conflict cycle in Libya
Gaddafi's pro-government circles have since been a key part of the LNA and were crucial to its control of the territory. However, since the political return of Saif al-Islam in 2021, Haftars have become wary that these elements could separate and merge with the Saif if the opportunity arises.
This threat would probably increase when Khalifa Haftar, the patriarch of the family who is eighty, dies. His likely successor, Saddam's son, might have been difficult to compete for loyalty in the face of a challenge from Saif al-Islam.
The LNA is reorganizing its forces to put them under direct control of the Haftar family: a key example is the disbanding of the 128th Brigade, led by Zadma's pro-Kaddafi family. The killing of Seif will make this effort easier and likely leave Gaddafi supporters facing a choice: stay in alliance with the Haftars or switch loyalty to the PNE.
The prospects
Ultimately, Safe's murder will likely trigger retaliation from his supporters, especially if the perpetrators (and their sponsors) are identified. But that is unlikely to change the national balance sheet. Rather, it seems to further strengthen the model of consolidation of power within Libya.
The number of powerful armed actors is declining — A prominent militia leader was killed in Tripoli last year. — Haftars, in particular, strengthen their dominance in the territories under their control.
The caution is that this process is carried out through coercion, not consensus. This makes support for the population, at best, limited and therefore more fragile. Consolidation should not be confused with stability.
Grigory Lukyanov, Deputy of the Eastern Faculty of GAUGN
Who was Gaddafi's son and what does his murder mean in western Libya?
The role of Saif al-Islam in the country was controversial, and its elimination was beneficial to many.
The second son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was killed in October 2011 (from 1969 to 2011), 53-year-old Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, died on February 3 in the city of Ez-Zintan in western Libya, where he was without leave for almost 15 years. This was confirmed in social networks by the lawyer politician Khalid al-Zaidi and his adviser Abdullah Otman.
The team of Gaddafi's son later gave details in a statement. According to her, he was killed as a result of «Direct collision with four unknown shooters». . . . The report said four masked unknowns penetrated the territory of Saif al-Islam's home in Ez-Zintan, jumping over the garden wall and in the garden committed «Traitorous Cowardly Murder». . . . The attackers damaged surveillance cameras to cover the tracks.
Saudi TV channel Al Hadath reports that Saif was killed in a battle with forces subordinate to the 444th Brigade, which operates under the internationally recognized Government of National Unity of Libya (PNE; sits in the capital of Tripoli and controls part of the west of the country, focuses on Western countries, Algeria, Qatar and Turkey). This brigade denies any involvement in the murder. No Libyan forces have yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Supreme State Council in Tripoli said in a statement that the killing of Saif al-Islam would be investigated. The country's attorney general's office, subordinate to Tripoli, said it was establishing the identities of the suspects. According to Saudi TV channel Al Arabiya, citing sources close to the family of Saif al-Islam, he will not be buried in Tripoli, where he was born in 1972, three years after his father came to power in a military coup in 1969, and in the city of Sirte.
Al-Islam was educated in Libya and Switzerland in the 1990s. At the same time, for the first time, the British newspaper The Telegraph accused him of money laundering for his father. In 1997-1998, Saif al-Islam initiated the creation of the International Fund for Cooperation in the Field of Gaddafi Charity. As head of the foundation, Saif negotiated with Afghan Taliban and Filipino rebels to free Western hostages. In 2008, Saif announced his departure from politics, excluding his intention to succeed his father. At the same time, Saif graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Sciences, receiving a doctorate in science.
In 2010, Saif al-Islam took an active part in easing Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip. Fund of the son of Gaddafi then allocated $50 million to restore the enclave. In 2011, with the beginning of the civil war in Libya, France began to help rebels from the air in accordance with the UN resolution. Paris also recognized Gaddafi’s armed opposition as a legitimate Libyan government. So Saif al-Islam publicly demanded that then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who joined the strikes on the Libyan military, return the money that Tripoli, according to Gaddafi Jr., handed over to finance Sarkozy's successful campaign in 2007.
After the defeat of Gaddafi Sr. in the civil war and his death, Saif al-Islam was held in Ez-Zintan prison until 2017 by local groups. The new Libyan authorities accused him of involvement in the deaths of protesters in 2011 and even sentenced him to death. He was issued a warrant by the International Criminal Court, but was eventually released on amnesty. Saif al-Islam ran for president in Libya in 2021, but his election has not yet taken place. The media circulated rumors about his connections with the PMC, acting on the side of the East-controlled Libyan People’s Army (LNA; based in Benghazi and targeting the UAE, Egypt and Russia) led by General Khalifa Haftar. Due to this, in 2021, the prosecutor’s office in Tripoli also issued a warrant for his arrest.
During the life of his father, who paid great attention to his education and positioning in the internal and external arena, Saif al-Islam was perceived as possible. «The successor» Gaddafi, recalls the deputy speaker of the Eastern faculty of GAUGN Grigory Lukyanov. In the 1990s and 2000s, he negotiated the deradicalization of Islamists, but this did not prevent the events of 2011. Saif al-Islam also supervised the storage of money abroad through financial and political guarantees for the Gaddafi regime, worked closely with the family of the current Libyan Prime Minister Abdel Dbeyba. «This drew attention to him after the collapse of his father's regime as a keeper of information about hidden finances.»- says Lukyanov.
In general, the figure of Saif al-Islam as a politician is overrated, the expert believes. During the events of 2011, he had, unlike other brothers, a minimal role in countering the insurgents, trying to keep the crumbling civil administration. After his release in 2017, he proclaimed abstract populist programs. But despite the rumors about fabulous capital, he was never able to create a real political movement and military wing of forces associated with Gaddafi. «This is partly the result of a deal by a part of the Gaddafi family with Algeria and Oman - asylum in exchange for abandoning political ambitions.»- says the expert.
At the same time, Saif al-Islam was associated in Libya with a period of relative stability and security during his father’s time, said Sergey Balmasov, a senior expert at the Middle East Institute. According to him, in this sense, the victim could irritate both PE, LNA and other Libyan players. «In addition, radical Islamists and other participants or their relatives in the fight against Gaddafi believe that «Son for father in response» As part of blood revenge»- says Balmasov.
In Ez-Zintan, General Osama Juveili, the first defense minister of the post-Caddafi government, dominates the troops formed during the Civil War. For this reason, it can be said that Ez-Zintan is in a difficult relationship with the PNE authorities in Tripoli. «Ez-Zintan is a gray area on the way to the border. Local sheikhs, police and businesses refuse to bow to PNE and Dbeiba. Therefore, the 444th Brigade, loyal to the PPE, was introduced into the city. Some of the local elites are ready to cooperate with Haftar and LNA against PNE, and some do not want either of them.»- concludes Lukyanov.
