AUC chairperson condemns murder of Saïf al-Islam Gaddafi in Libya
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), has strongly condemned the murder on Tuesday of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the former leader of Libya, saying the violent act risks further undermining efforts toward a credible and inclusive political transition in Libya.
He expressed deep concern at the act and expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased, as well as to all those affected, a press release by the AU said on Wednesday.
He stressed the imperative of resolving political differences through peaceful and lawful means.
“H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf calls upon the Libyan authorities to uphold the rule of law and to ensure that the circumstances surrounding this killing are thoroughly investigated, and that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.”
Mr. Youssouf further urged restraint and calm among all Libyan political actors and reiterated the AU's continued commitment to supporting the Libyan people and institutions in their efforts to achieve a durable, consensual, and peaceful resolution to the political and security crisis that has affected the country since 2011.
In another development, the Head of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohammed Al-Menfi, has called on all political forces to exercise restraint and closely monitor the progress of the official investigations into the assassination of Saif al-Islam to ensure that no one escapes punishment.
In a statement issued on Wednesday quoted by the Libyan News Agency (LANA), Al-Menfi said, "We have followed with deep sorrow the statement issued by the Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the assassination and the preliminary investigative procedures initiated by the Public Prosecutor's Office, aimed at uncovering the circumstances and causes of the incident."
The Head of the Presidential Council welcomed the provision of necessary technical support and expertise within the legal framework to enhance the transparency of the investigations and expedite their results, thereby strengthening public confidence.
He expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and to the Gaddadfa tribe, calling on political, media, and social forces to moderate public discourse and reject incitement aimed at undermining the objective of the assassination, which was to sabotage national reconciliation efforts and the holding of free and fair elections in which the people choose their leadership.
"Libya cannot be governed by violence nor built on fear. Extrajudicial killings are forbidden, and Libyan blood is precious and must not be shed in vain," Mr. Al-Menfi said.
LANA reported on Tuesday night that Saif al-Islam had been shot dead, quoting Abdullah Othman, adviser and head of his political team.
According to a statement he was assassinated in the city of Zintan, about 180 km southwest of Tripoli, on Tuesday, following a "treacherous and cowardly" operation.
The statement said four individuals stormed his house, disabled security cameras, and killed him in a direct confrontation.
The political team called on the Libyan judiciary, the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organisations to "assume their legal and moral responsibilities", demanding an "independent and transparent local and international investigation" to uncover the circumstances of the crime and identify those involved.
The statement also called on Saif al-Islam's supporters and the Libyan people to "exercise restraint, wisdom, and patience", asserting that the true response to the crime is "adherence to his national project and steadfastness to his principles".
Saif al-Islam, 53, was the second of the former Libyan leader and once widely seen as his heir apparent.
Meanwhile, the 444th Combat Brigade has categorically denied rumours circulating on social media regarding its involvement in the clashes that occurred in the city of Zintan, and reports of the death of Saif al-Islam.
In a statement published on its official page, the 444th Combat Brigade said that it has no military presence or deployment within the city of Zintan or its surrounding area. Furthermore, the brigade has not received any instructions or orders concerning the pursuit of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi.
The Brigade said that this matter is not within its military or security mandate, and that it is not involved in the events in Zintan, nor does it have any direct or indirect connection to the clashes taking place there.
The 444th Combat Brigade urged media outlets and social media users to verify information before disseminating it, to rely on official statements, and to avoid being misled by rumours intended to sow confusion and spread misinformation, LANA said.
The Libyan Attorney General's Office on Wednesday confirmed the death of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was after the examination of his body, with the Attorney-General's Office asserting that he succumbed to his gunshot wounds.
The statement said upon receiving notification of the death, the Attorney General instructed investigators to gather information on the incident, visit the scene, conduct an examination of the body, appoint experts, and interview witnesses and anyone who might provide information.
Investigators, accompanied by forensic pathologists and experts in weapons, fingerprints, toxicology and various other related fields, have begun their work, the statement said, noting that the examination of the body confirmed that the victim had been fatally wounded by a gunshot.
The statement indicated that the investigation aims to gather evidence, identify suspects and initiate the necessary legal proceedings against them.
-0- PANA MA 5Feb2026
