The solution to peace in Libya lies in the setting up of a federal government but the international community has failed Libya by not helping it create institutions and a justice system, according to a former political prisoner of Muammar Gaddafi.
Speaking yesterday at the first Sakharov Lecture organised by the European Parliament Representation in Malta, Ahmed al-Zubair al-Senussi appealed to Malta to participate to bring about peace in Libya.
“Unlike other countries, you don’t have greedy intentions – I know you want to see us Libyans happy.
“The United Nations often communicated with Libya from Malta. Malta is very important to us. You know us better than anybody else.”
Mr al-Senussi, a Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought laureate, was a member of the now defunct National Transitional Council who spent 31 years incarcerated after planning to overthrow Gaddafi one year after the Libyan dictator seized power in a military coup in 1969. He described Gaddafi’s regime as 42 years of suffering, oppression and the obliteration of Libyan identity.
“I have tasted the bitterness of those years – my colleagues died in jail, others emerged with amputated limbs, while others, like myself, lived to see the end of the dictator.
“The demands for freedom and a better quality of life at the beginning of the revolution were ones which Gaddafi attempted to crush with violence. Violence breeds violence.”
My colleagues died in jail, others emerged with amputated limbs
After he was overthrown, hope rippled through the country as the Libyan people looked forward to establishing democracy. Formerly united against a common enemy, Libya was overcome by assassins and snipers while ransacking became the norm.
Prior to the 2011 revolution, Gaddafi’s son Saif had warned Libyans that the country would fall into civil war if his father was ousted.
As Libya falters while a full blown civil war rages, how does Mr al-Senussi interpret these seemingly prophetic words?
“Gaddafi left behind no institutions, no entities or bodies to care for the country. The only solid institutions were those which served to protect him. We have no courts, no prosecution bodies. A country without a constitution and a court system is not a country.
“Democracy is based on hearing people’s voices – we want free healthcare, and a better educational system.”
Libya is divided between two governments since a group called Libya Dawn seized Tripoli in August after a month-long battle with a rival group, setting up its own parliament and government. Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni has been forced to work from Tobruk in the east where the elected House of Representatives is also based.
Mr al-Senussi thanked the UN for its support but added that the assistance offered was not based on the right pillars. The UN was speaking to MPs who rejected the legitimate Parliament.
“The international community has failed us. We have weapons everywhere and Libyan weapons have also ended up in other countries, which means that our problems are being exported.
“I am not asking for military intervention but for cooperation to defeat the militias and people claiming to be leaders.
“Unfortunately, one government after the other has shown itself to be after our money and oil.
“The EU could do a lot if it walks in the right direction and contacts the right people.”
He called for the setting up of a national army in Libya which was divorced from politics.
“We do not want to repeat Gaddafi’s mistakes. Oppression is not the way forward. The army should protect and not oppress us.”
The way forward, he insisted, was setting up a federal government, with Libya being divided into three states: Tripoli, the eastern region of Barka and southern Fezzan.
“We want the 1951 constitution to be reinstated. Our unity and freedom was built on this constitution which was then suspended by Gaddafi. Each state would have independent governance under the central, federal regime. If we follow this recipe, it will save Libya.”
In a seemingly hopeless situation, what gives him confidence?
“Hope is our tool and our weapon. In the beginning we were united against Gaddafi and his people. No one knows who the enemy is now. Now that the money box is open, everyone greedily scrambles for the loot.
“But I have confidence in the sons of Libya who suffered under Gaddafi’s regime in detention centres and in exile.”
He professed himself in favour of reconciliation with the opposing faction but only if it was also willing to compromise.
“If they are ready to do so, then we are ready to forget the past and extend our hand of friendship.”