I’m fighting fit, claims Libyan general, after death rumours

KHALIFA HAFTAR, the military strongman who controls most of eastern Libya, has returned to his home territory after a two-week disappearance which prompted rumours he may have died.

The 75-year-old general was taken to hospital in Paris in mid-april after falling ill during a visit to Jordan.

His hospitalisation fuelled furious speculation that he was on the verge of death and sent shockwaves through Libya’s already fractured political system. But on Thursday his private plane landed in the eastern city of Benghazi and Gen Haftar emerged on to the runway in apparent good health. He wore a black suit and walked down the stairs of the jet unaided.

Military officers, politicians, and tribal leaders were waiting on a red carpet to embrace him. “I assure you that I am in good health,” Gen Haftar told the assembled crowd.

His triumphant return is likely to put an end to the confusion after he was treated at Val-de-grâce military hospital in Paris following a suspected stroke.

A spokesman for his Libyan National Army initially denied that he was facing any serious health problems but later refused to comment on the issue. Days went by without clear news of his wellbeing.

Analysts believed Gen Haftar’s adult sons would try to take up his mantle in the event of his death but that his coalition might fracture and eastern tribal leaders might splinter off.

Gen Haftar has won the support of Russia, Egypt and the UAE as a reliable ally against Libya’s Islamist factions. He had also made progress in changing Western perceptions about him from a local warlord to a potential statesman.