What They Did To Gaddafi Will Haunt You
All the good things Gaddafi had done for his country
Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled Libya from 1969 until his death in 2011, is one of the most controversial leaders of the modern era. While his authoritarian regime was widely condemned for human rights abuses, political repression, and violent suppression of dissent, there are several policies and programs initiated under his rule that supporters and neutral observers acknowledge brought tangible benefits to Libyans. Here is a list of positive contributions attributed to Gaddafi's leadership:
1. Free Healthcare and Education
Gaddafi’s government provided free and universal healthcare and education for Libyan citizens. Under his leadership:
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Libya achieved one of the highest literacy rates in Africa (over 80%).
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Life expectancy rose significantly (from around 50 years in 1969 to over 74 by 2010).
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Medical treatment, surgeries, and even some overseas education and health expenses were covered by the state.
2. No Interest Loans and Subsidized Housing
Gaddafi’s economic philosophy included providing interest-free loans through state-owned banks for:
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Homebuilding,
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Marriage,
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Education, and
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Starting a business.
While housing shortages remained a challenge, the government promoted home ownership and low-cost living.
3. The Great Man-Made River Project
One of Gaddafi’s most ambitious infrastructure projects was the Great Man-Made River, a massive irrigation system that brought water from deep underground aquifers in the Sahara to cities and farmland. It:
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Was considered one of the largest civil engineering projects in the world,
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Helped expand agricultural development and reduce water scarcity in urban centers.
4. Oil Revenues Used Domestically
Under Gaddafi, Libya’s oil wealth was nationalized, and a significant portion of revenues was directed back into the country. The benefits included:
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Subsidized fuel (gasoline was extremely cheap),
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Basic food subsidies,
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Public sector jobs,
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Investments in infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and housing.
5. High Standard of Living in Africa
Before 2011, Libya had one of the highest Human Development Index (HDI) scores in Africa. The country had:
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A growing middle class,
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Minimal external debt,
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Free access to utilities like electricity and water,
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Government stipends for newlyweds and families.
6. Gender Equality Advancements
Gaddafi’s regime promoted women's education and participation in the workforce and military. Though not fully equal in practice, Libya under Gaddafi saw more women in universities, the judiciary, and medicine than in many neighboring Arab states.
7. Pan-Africanism and Economic Independence
Gaddafi was a major advocate for African unity and tried to build institutions that would make Africa economically independent from Western influence, such as:
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Proposing an African Gold Dinar to replace the U.S. dollar for trade within Africa,
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Supporting the creation of the African Union,
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Funding infrastructure and development in other African countries.
8. Debt-Free and Stable Economy
Libya had no foreign debt and had built up significant cash reserves. The Libyan dinar was relatively strong, and unemployment, while a concern, was cushioned by state subsidies and job guarantees.
9. Low Crime and Internal Stability
Until the civil war in 2011, Libya was considered relatively safe, especially compared to other countries in the region. Crime rates were low, and civil unrest was rare due to tight government control.
10. Foreign Aid and Development Projects
Gaddafi invested in and provided loans to neighboring African nations for development projects. He also backed anti-colonial movements and liberation causes across Africa and parts of the Middle East.
Cautionary Note:
These accomplishments were achieved under an authoritarian regime that tolerated no political dissent, limited press freedoms, and relied heavily on surveillance and fear. Many of the benefits came at the cost of personal freedoms, political pluralism, and civil rights. After his fall, Libya descended into chaos, which some argue highlights both the relative stability of his rule and the lack of democratic institutions needed to replace it.
The Brutal Truth May 2025
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