A large convoy containing between 200 and 250 Libyan armoured vehicles has travelled from Libya to Niger, renewing speculation about the whereabouts of ousted Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.
People are wondering if he will be captured — and what will happen if he’s not.
To answer that question, we spoke to Paul Heinbecker at the University of Waterloo’s Centre for International Governance Innovation.
Globalnews.ca: If Gadhafi remained at large how would that affect the new government in Libya?
Paul Heinbecker: That would be a major distraction for the lawmakers at a time they would need to be focusing on a lot of difficult issues like building a democratic government — a task for which they have no direct experience — getting the economy back on track, restoring an income stream, electing a parliament and writing a constitution.
It’s possible that he could direct guerilla warfare from whichever country he ends up in. We don’t know how many people in Libya might be loyal to him.
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GN: For other countries, what would be the implications of letting Gadhafi in?
PH: Well, Gadhafi was on good terms with a lot of African nations. If they helped him it would call into question their collective status.
The more trouble he caused while based in another country, the more likely the international community would come down hard on that country.
People want to see the international court get their hands on him.
GN: If Gadhafi is located, what should be done with him?
PH: Whichever country receives him has an obligation to turn him over to the international court.
People want to see him brought to trial in an international criminal court or face trial in Libya.It would also be possible for an international criminal court to try him in Libya with the involvement of those who have been affected. That would bring a measure of satisfaction to his victims.
GN: How important is it to bring him to justice?
PH: It is absolutely essential. He killed a lot of people and would do it again given the chance.There is no alternative to bringing him to justice.
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