South African authorities have officially approved a request from Hannibal Gaddafi, the son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, to take up residence within their territory, according to official sources.
The decision follows Hannibal Gaddafi’s recent release from detention in Lebanon, where he had been held for years in connection with the 1978 disappearance of Lebanese cleric Musa al-Sadr. His release attracted significant diplomatic and media attention, particularly regarding his next destination and the role of international mediations in securing his freedom.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Lebanese judiciary agreed to reduce the bail amount required for Gaddafi’s release from $11 million to $900,000, following a petition by his legal team. Judge Zaher Hamadeh had initially approved his release on October 17 under the higher bail amount — a decision that Gaddafi’s defense later contested due to its excessive value.
The South African government’s approval marks the end of weeks of speculation surrounding Hannibal’s future. Libyan officials had previously confirmed that he was free to choose where to settle following his release, provided that his choice respected international legal conditions.
Gaddafi’s move to South Africa adds a new chapter to the long-running saga of the Gaddafi family, many of whom sought refuge in different countries following the 2011 Libyan uprising. South Africa, which has maintained a cautious diplomatic stance on Libyan affairs, is seen as a politically safe destination offering limited media exposure and security assurances.