BANI WALID, Libya — Thousands of Libyans poured into the western town of Bani Walid on Friday to attend the funeral of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, after he was assassinated earlier this week.
The atmosphere in Bani Walid — long considered a stronghold of support for the Gaddafi era — was one of both mourning and political symbolism as huge crowds turned out to pay their respects. Many carried photographs of Saif al-Islam and his father, and waved green flags that symbolized Libya’s national banner during Gaddafi’s rule from 1977 to 2011.
A Funeral Marked by Deep Emotions and Political Divides
The procession began in the morning, with throngs of mourners arriving from across the country, some coming days in advance to secure a place in the vast turnout. Under clear skies, Libyans from various tribes and regions walked together, echoing chants and engaging in prayer as the coffin was carried through the streets of Bani Walid, approximately 145 kilometers southeast of Tripoli.
Supporters described Saif al-Islam as a figure of hope for parts of Libya that remain loyal to his father’s legacy, blaming rival political forces for his killing and demanding accountability. “We are here to accompany our beloved one, the son of our leader in whom we placed our hope and our future,” said a mourner who travelled from Sirte, a city historically aligned with the Gaddafi family.
What Happened Before the Funeral
Saif al-Islam, 53, was shot dead on Tuesday, February 03, 2026, in his home in Zintan in northwestern Libya when four masked gunmen stormed the property and disabled security cameras, according to early investigations. He was a controversial figure who had been wanted by the International Criminal Court in the past and had a contentious political profile since Libya’s 2011 civil unrest.
In response to his death, tribes and local councils in Bani Walid confirmed the killing and publicly displayed his body at the city’s hospital before arranging transport for the funeral. Security was heightened throughout the day, with local emergency services and security personnel deployed to manage the large crowds.
Burial and Aftermath
After prayers, Saif al-Islam was laid to rest in a cemetery in Bani Walid next to his younger brother Khamis, who was killed during the 2011 uprising. The burial was held under strict security, though participants expressed strong emotions and calls for an investigation into the circumstances of his assassination.
The large turnout has underscored the ongoing political divisions within Libya more than a decade after the fall of the Gaddafi regime, with some leaders from rival government administrations choosing not to attend the funeral.
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