It seems that segments of the army have turned against Gaddafi. Probably moved by the senseless killing of 100s yesterday. People in military uniform opened fire on protesters killing an estimated 300 people. 300 people, that is an astronomical number of people. I can't even fathom that number.
The people in military dress are mercenaries at least that's what many Libyans claim. That these men are not Libyans, but rather people from neighboring countries.
There are reports that Benghazi has been "taken over" by civilians after they laid siege to the military compound. Allegedly military grade weapons have been passed out to civilians. Also reports of celebrations in the streets. The "mercenaries" have reportedly been captured.
Where is Gaddafi in all this. He has retreated to his ancestral Bedouin home near Sirt. Saif Gaddafi, one of his sons, is scheduled to make a statement. One can only guess that it will be similiar to the statements made by Ben Ali and Mubarak (both leaders are reportedly very ill, rumors of them both being in a coma).
I imagine the speech will recognize the desire of the people, make a series of concessions, declare that there will be elections in a couple months, meanwhile there will be a caretaker government. At this stage it may be necessary for Gaddafi to leave Libya for Saudi. I cannot imagine any western country will take him.
The African Union (AU) just lost about 50% or more of its budget. Its a well known fact that Gaddafi, aka the king of kings, is the main funder of the AU. But Gaddafi and his relationship with Africa south of the Sahara is for another day.
Interesting tid bit, that warms my heart and makes me hope that change is coming. Omar Bashir has started to reach out to the youth and college grads, making them hollow promises of jobs, and including them in the government.
And in an effort to legitimise themselves as a national, inclusive government rather than one dominated by one party, and a couple of ethnic groups squabling amongst each other, said goverment has made an offer to a close relative of mine, the position of governor of the central bank of Sudan. He's the perfect candidate you see, he's actually qualified for the job, he comes from a marginalized northern ethnic group, and he's an active member of the opposition group they overthrew in a military coup in 1989. Of course he declined.
Again we must ask, where will the revolution lead to next....Sudan (please God), Djibouti, Cote D'Ivoire?
5 comments:
I heard that Gadafi's personal guards come from all over Africa (no Libyans).
It's nice to know that no matter how atrocious of a situation I put myself in, if I got money in the bank I can count on a nice palace for myself in Saudi Arabia.
I read a little bit amount the Romanian revolution in 1989. It's a great example of how revolutions can take the wrong turn if people back off too quickly.
Did you hear about Ghadhafi's son essentially declaring war on his people? Blames the protests on "drunks, criminals, and foreigners."
He threatened civil war, said 100,000 could die, if people didn't "negotiate." He refuses to admit that these protestors are Libyans with legitimate concerns. It should be interesting to see what happens in a couple of hours.
Can you believe what's happening in Libya? This is genocide. I hope Ghadhafi and his circle face justice. This is unbelievable.
Allah ybarik fi Al Jazeera
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