Muammar Gaddafi, the former Libyan leader, gave a powerful final speech that has gained renewed attention as tensions rise in the Middle East. In this message, Gaddafi warned of Western plans to target leaders who resisted foreign control. His words are seen by many as a warning that went unheard across the Arab world.
Gaddafi began by invoking the name of God and reflecting on his 40 years in power. He spoke about how he had worked for his people. He gave them homes, free hospitals, and schools. He reminded them that when people were hungry, he gave them food. Even the desert region of Benghazi, he claimed, was turned into farmland under his leadership.
In his speech, Gaddafi spoke emotionally about how he stood against the U.S., especially during President Ronald Reagan’s time. He recalled when an American attack killed his adopted daughter. Reagan had aimed to kill him, but the missile instead killed an innocent child. Gaddafi said he never forgot that moment.
He also spoke of his dream for a united Africa. He had supported the African Union with both funds and ideas. His goal was to help African nations stand strong and free from foreign control.
Gaddafi claimed he had always tried to explain true democracy to his people. He believed that real power should be in the hands of local community groups, not foreign-backed parties. But many people, he said, were not satisfied. Even those with big homes, new suits, and fancy furniture wanted more. Some, he said, believed outsiders who promised freedom and democracy. He warned that such promises were lies.
He pointed out that in countries like the United States, people do not get free healthcare, housing, or education. Even food is not free. People must beg or stand in long lines for soup. He said his people did not realize that these systems often hurt the poor and weak. In his view, Western capitalism was a system where the strong crushed the weak.
Gaddafi said some people would never be satisfied no matter what he gave them. But others knew his heart. He said he was inspired by Jamal Abdel Nasser, who once stood up for Arab rights. Like Nasser, Gaddafi wanted to protect Libya from colonial powers and greedy foreign companies. He said they wanted to steal everything from his people.
He accused then-U.S. President Barack Obama of wanting to kill him. He believed Obama and NATO forces were trying to destroy Libya’s free services, like housing, health, education, and food. In its place, they wanted to install a system that only helped rich companies.
Gaddafi warned that this new world order would mean corporations would rule, not governments. He said this would cause great pain for the people. Still, he refused to run. He said he would take his stand. If God willed, he would die for his people and his land. He said he would die the way he lived—fighting for freedom, food, and dignity for his people.
He did not want to die. But if that was the only way to save Libya, he was ready. He wanted the world to hear his voice. He said he stood against North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO’s) invasion, against betrayal, and against Western greed. He stood beside his African and Arab brothers. He called himself a light in dark times.
Gaddafi reminded everyone that while other leaders lived in luxury, he lived in a simple tent. He never forgot his childhood. He said he did not waste national funds and lived a humble life. Like the great Muslim leader Salahuddin, who once reclaimed Jerusalem, Gaddafi said he had taken very little for himself. Some in the West called him mad. But he said they knew the truth. They just didn’t want to admit it.
He ended his speech with a vow to fight until his last breath. He said his fight was not just for Libya but for all free people. He prayed that God would keep them faithful and free.
