Breaking News

Libyan rebel leader who led Gaddafi overthrow dies of COVID-19

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 02:56 pm

The former head of the rebel government that overthrew Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 Mahmud Jibril died on Sunday of the coronavirus, his party confirmed.

Jibril, 68, was in Cairo where he had been hospitalised for two weeks, said Khaled al-Mrimi, secretary of the Alliance of National Forces party founded by Jibril in 2012.

According to Hisham Wagdyn, the director of the Egyptian hospital, the 68-year-old former leader was admitted to the hospital on March 21 after suffering a heart attack, before testing positive for the new coronavirus and being quarantined.

The former rebel leader was appointed head of the interim government in March 2011, a few weeks after the outbreak of the Arab Spring uprising in Libya.

He made numerous trips to Western capitals to convince his leaders to support the revolt against Muammar Gaddafi. This led to a NATO coalition led by Washington, Paris and London after a green light from the UN Security Council.

Libya is now torn between two rival governments. The internationally backed Tripoli-government and the militarily menacing eastern government led by rebel leader Khalifa Haftar, based in Benghazi. As of April 06, Libya has recorded 18 cases of the coronavirus with one death.

FacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterEmailEmailRedditRedditPinterestPinterestWhatsAppWhatsAppMessengerMessengerShareShare
AddThis Website Tools
Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

Heavy Rainfall Brings Widespread Flooding and Road Closures in Durban

The incessant rains have caused flooding in Durban and its neighboring areas. It has disrupted several core areas, with a…

April 25, 2025

Tanzania Imposes Agricultural Import Ban on South Africa and Malawi Over Trade Dispute

Cross-border activity suffered vast disruption when the new ban started at midnight Thursday with its direct impact on border checkpoints…

April 24, 2025

African Bank Fined R700,000 for Deceptive Loan Marketing

South African Bank fined R700,000 after determining the institution misrepresented a credit product as an investment opportunity. Following its December…

April 23, 2025

EA Sports Predicts Maple Leafs to End 58-Year Stanley Cup Absence in 2025 Simulation

EA Sports shows that Toronto Maple Leafs will stop their 58-year title wait by beating the Colorado Avalanche in seven…

April 22, 2025

Pope Francis Dies at 88, Vatican Confirms on Easter Monday

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away in the morning of his 88th…

April 21, 2025

Top 10 Movies to Watch on Netflix South Africa This Weekend

You want to pick a good film for weekend relaxation? Netflix South Africa provides customers with a wide range of…

April 19, 2025