Gadaffi, Libya and Nigeria

After 42-years in power, the reign of Muammar  Qaddafi comes to a close. After months of fighting, death and atrocities committed, the war for the soul of Libya seems to  the coming to an end. The end in favour of the National Transition Council (NTC) with the backing of NATO led by US, Britain and France.

Tonight, Thousands of Libyans rejoice on the streets of Tripoli, Benghazi, Zawir and all over Libya for the end of the regime of a Dictator. The question for me is How did it get to this? What does this portend for Africa? No one can doubt that Gadaffi had it  coming for him. Many world leaders view him with deep suspicion while others praise him as a mentor and benefactor. The role of the African Union in the Libyan conflict leaves more questions than answers. African leaders torn between memories of the past help including funding economies and fighting apartheid in South Africa. The AU has not come with a clear position on the issue. According to David Mutsanga, a member of the AU delegation to Libya, Dialogue would have averted the stalemate, the bloodshed and the loss of lives. I do wonder if he speaks from the point of view that benefit Africa or the memories of the many "Greek gifts" Gadaffi has given to many African countries in the past. 

Libya has a 99-year lease to exploit the natural resources of Central African republic after coming to the aid of its President militarily in 2001. Gadaffi has managed to stir up conflict with his rather caustic opinions like suggesting the division of Nigeria on religious lines, mentioned in the accusation against Charles Taylor, the former Liberian leader on trail in the Hague, and many other "mischievous " declaration. Now that the rebels have almost won Tripoli, men who Originally were considered terrorist groups have metamorphosis-ed into rebels who now hold the soul of Libya in their hands. But What does this Portend for Nigeria and it's perceived leadership role on the African Continent?

Nigeria has recognised the NTC. In doing so, it has toed the line of western nations and the birth of a new Libya. The fear of Islamic jihadist hijacking Libya echoes loudly all over the world. The African countries on the UN security council have been accused of not coming to the aid of Libya and allowing the arming of rebels, the bombing of cities and ease the victory of the rebels. With the war won, The idealism replaced with the reality of rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure, The resources of Libya in the hands of western backed governments would be an interesting thing to watch. As August Bebel the German Politician put it " In the time of war, the loudest patriots are the greatest profiteers".

As the world waits for the response of the African Union, Nigeria, has a responsibility to take a forward and decisive action on issues that affect the continent. The greatest fear for pundits is, Whose turn is next? When will it be decided the a government is no longer legitimate, its opposition armed and a regime change encouraged? Nigeria's open participation on the AU and UN councils will leave the world in no doubt of our commitment to democracy in Africa and the benefit of its peoples.Nigeria should take a cue from France whose growing influence on the African continent as seen in the forced removal of Laurent Gbagbo and its extensive involvement in the Libyan civil war clearly shows that its foreign policy drive is one of prominence, position and prestige. The spheres of Influence on the African continent continues to weaken. Egypt after its uprising is rebuilding. Nigeria has it in its future interest to re-establish its self in the North of Africa and advance the course of Africans.