Italian political analyst and strategic consultant Daniele Ruvinetti commented on the killing of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi. He described it as a dangerous incident in Libya. The country already suffers from significant instability. Ruvinetti noted the incident occurs amidst ongoing division. Armed militias are present. Tribal and clan conflicts persist. There is a near-total absence of an effective central authority.
Ruvinetti spoke to Sky News Arabia. He warned the incident carries immense risks. It could ignite tensions or retaliatory actions. These actions might come from groups with ties to the Gaddafi family. This risk is especially high in the Fezzan region. It also applies to parts of western Tripoli. Furthermore, it deepens the sense of impunity. This impunity is linked to systematic political assassinations. Such assassinations are a recurring phenomenon. They erode remaining trust in institutions.
Ruvinetti also noted the incident could complicate the “fragile coexistence” among armed factions. Violent acts often reignite cycles of vengeance and revenge in this context.
Regarding the political process, Ruvinetti offered clarity. He stated that Saif al-Islam remained a symbolic figure for some groups. These groups are nostalgic for the pre-2011 era. However, Saif al-Islam no longer held direct practical influence on the ground. His elimination adds a new layer of complexity to an already very complex period.
Ruvinetti also indicated the dialogue between key powers in eastern and western Libya faces enormous difficulties. He referenced a recent meeting in Paris. This meeting included representatives from the Tripoli and Benghazi regions. It concluded without tangible solutions. The gaps in differing positions were too wide.
Ruvinetti concluded that the killing of Gaddafi’s son does not fundamentally alter the military balance of power. However, it exacerbates the prevailing climate of distrust. It also makes achieving political stability more challenging.