AFRICAN UNION CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION OF GADDAFI'S SON

MOSCOW, Feb 5 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- African Union Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf condemned the assassination of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi and called for a thorough investigation into his death, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported, citing a statement by the organisation.

"H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has learned with deep concern of reports regarding the killing of the Libyan political figure, Saïf al-Islam Gaddafi, on 3 February 2026 in Zintan City.

"The Chairperson strongly condemns this violent act, which risks further undermining efforts toward a credible and inclusive political transition in Libya ... Mahmoud Ali Youssouf calls upon the Libyan authorities to uphold the rule of law and to ensure that the circumstances surrounding this killing are thoroughly investigated, and that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law," the organisation said in a statement on Wednesday.

A source told RIA Novosti late on Tuesday that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, was killed in an attack on his home in the northwestern city of Zintan. His cousin, Ahmed Gaddafi, later confirmed his death.

The Libyan prosecutor general's office confirmed that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi died from gunshot wounds.

Saif al-Islam played a political role during his father's rule, who was himself killed in October 2011. In 2021, he planned to run in Libya's presidential election, which ultimately did not take place.

-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI