Fighting rages for Libyan capital

Forces opposed to Libya's leader Col Muammar Gaddafi have swept into the capital, Tripoli after a six-month uprising. Some fighting is continuing but it seems as though Col Gaddafi's rule is coming to an end after almost 42 years.

Why do the rebels want to oust Col Gaddafi?

He has ruled Libya with an iron fist since he seized power in a 1969 coup. Students were forced to study his political theories,Political parties were banned and his critics imprisoned, tortured and on some occasions killed. After the overthrow of the leaders of Libya's neighbours, Tunisia and Egypt, some Libyans staged protests to demand change. But Col Gaddafi's government used overwhelming force against the demonstrators in Tripoli and then started to move on the second city, Benghazi, where the rebels had seized control.

Why did other countries intervene?

It was feared that an assault on Benghazi, a city of a million people, would be brutal. Over the years, Col Gaddafi had fallen out with both his neighbours and the West, although he had bankrolled many African leaders. The Arab League asked the United Nations to intervene to protect the civilians in Benghazi. In March, except troops on the ground - to enforce a no-fly zone and protect civilians. Nato planes then started bombing government forces, who retreated from the outskirts of Benghazi.

So was Nato backing the rebels?

Even that they had direct contact with them. However, reporters with the rebels noted that the pro-Gaddafi forces in front of rebel positions would often be bombed, making the opposition advance much easier. The French have admitted giving weapons to the rebels, while other countries have provided training and logistical support to the rebels, who are mostly civilians. Both Western and Arab leaders openly said they wanted Col Gaddafi to go.

Why did it take so long?

It took five months after the Nato air strikes began before rebel forces entered Tripoli.  It took a while for the bombing campaign to significantly reduce the government's military advantage and for the rebels to be organised into a proper fighting force. In the end, they advanced on Tripoli from three fronts, surrounding the coastal city, where they were met by jubilant crowds. Many were surprised at how little resistance they met outside the capital.

What happens next?

The first task will be to find Col Gaddafi, who has been indicted for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court over his forces' suppression of the initial uprising. Until he is caught, there is the possibility his loyalists could use guerrilla tactics to destabilise the rebels as they try to establish themselves in power.  including former Gaddafi allies and longtime opposition figures, while ethnic Berber fighters and Islamists have also joined the battle against Col Gaddafi. Without the unifying goal of ousting him, there are fears they could start arguing among themselves. In July, the rebel military commander was killed, reportedly by Islamists allied to the rebels. But assuming they do form a stable government, they will have to try and improve the lives of ordinary Libyans and avoid the post-revolution disillusionment seen in Egypt and Tunisia.

 

 

 

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