Colonel gaddafi age

One of the most important figures in global politics in the second half of the 20th century, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi ruled as de facto leader of Libya for more than 40 years.

Ostensibly a socialist, Gaddafi came to power through revolution.

Alternately revered and reviled by Western governments for decades, Gaddafi’s control of the Libyan oil industry ensured him a prominent position in global politics even as he slid into despotism and dictatorship.

In his decades-long reign over Libya, Gaddafi created some of the highest living standards in Africa and significantly improved the country’s infrastructure, but also committed human rights abuses, engineered mass public executions and brutally quashed dissent.

Here are 10 facts about one of Africa’s longest-serving dictators.

Delving into the history of this important and often misunderstood country.

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1.

He was born into a Bedouin tribe

Muammar Mohammed Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi was born into poverty in