Libya Bids Farewell to Army Chief General Mohammed al-Haddad
In a moment of national mourning, Libya unites to bury its army chief, General Mohammed al-Haddad, along with four other notable military figures. Their tragic loss comes after a plane crash in central Turkey, marking a significant event in the country’s fraught military landscape.
The Tragic Incident
On a somber Saturday evening, General al-Haddad, his chief adviser Mohamed al-Essawi, and military cameraman Mohamed al-Mahjoub were returned to their native Misrata for burial. They, along with General Fetouri Ghrebil, commander of army land forces, and Mahmoud al-Gedewi, head of military manufacturing, died in the unfortunate aircraft accident while returning from Ankara, where they had discussions with Turkish defense officials. This meeting occurred just a day after the Turkish parliament voted to extend its military presence in Libya to strengthen ties with the internationally recognized Tripoli government.
Initial investigations suggest that a technical failure may have caused the crash, leading a Libyan military committee to Ankara to assist with the inquiry. Both nations have agreed to transfer the aircraft’s black box to a neutral third party for thorough examination.
The Aftermath
Military officials described the crash site as a “dreadful scene,” with difficulties in identifying the victims. In light of this, DNA testing was employed to confirm identities before the remains could be returned to Libya.
A ceremony conducted by Turkish military personnel paid tribute to the deceased on Saturday morning. However, logistical challenges arose regarding the ceremonial proceedings upon their return to Libya, prompting vigorous debates about where they should be held.
Legacy of General al-Haddad
General al-Haddad was widely regarded as a stabilizing force in Libya, respected even by those he opposed. His pivotal role in the 2019 conflict against renegade commander Khalifa Haftar helped reclaim western Libya for the government. He also contributed significantly to the national ceasefire agreement achieved in 2020.
Haftar expressed sadness at al-Haddad’s passing, extending his condolences to the fallen general’s family. Recent clashes, particularly around Mitiga international airport, highlighted the ongoing tensions between government forces and armed factions, showcasing the challenges that still plague Libya.
In the wake of this tragedy, General al-Haddad’s deputy, General Salah al-Namroush, has been appointed temporarily. During his eulogy, he vowed to follow in al-Haddad’s footsteps, committing to the unification of the military. Political analysts, however, suggest that appointing al-Haddad’s successor may involve political maneuvering rather than strict meritocracy, especially given the current state of dissatisfaction and protests surrounding the government.
The Duality of Airports
The return of the bodies underscored the schism within Libya, as they were received at Tripoli’s international airport, currently under renovation and primarily serving government functions. Normally, the bodies would have been received at Mitiga airport, now a commercial hub but under the control of the Special Deterrent Force—an armed group not aligned with the Prime Minister.
At Tripoli international airport, government officials, including PM Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, gathered for a military ceremony where al-Haddad was promoted to field marshal posthumously. Dbeibah acknowledged al-Haddad’s contributions to state stability and reassured the public that investigations into the crash would be conducted thoroughly.
A National Day of Mourning
On Saturday evening, the remains of al-Haddad, al-Essawi, and al-Mahjoub were taken back to Misrata, where thousands gathered at a local football stadium for a farewell prayer. Misrata city officials declared an official day of mourning, allowing citizens to honor the fallen heroes collectively.
Tribal leader Abdullah Allafi encapsulated the sentiments surrounding al-Haddad’s death, noting, “It’s a huge loss for Libya. He was a true patriot. May Allah rest his soul.” He emphasized the importance of unity, calling for an end to divisions in the country.
Conclusion
The passing of General Mohammed al-Haddad is a significant loss for Libya, reflecting the ongoing struggles within the nation. As the country grapples with grief, it also faces critical decisions regarding its military leadership and future stability.
- General Mohammed al-Haddad and four military officials died in a plane crash in Turkey.
- A national day of mourning took place as thousands gathered to pay their respects in Misrata.
- The investigation into the crash suggests a technical failure, with ongoing inquiries involving both Turkey and Libya.
- Discussions on al-Haddad’s successor are underway amidst ongoing political tensions in the country.