Ibrahim Sasi Zaghdud ( Naluti) or Aami (Uncle) Ibrahim as known by armed groups members was born in Tripoli in 1968. His father was a clerk at Tripoli Tribunal. His family is originally from Nalut an Amazigh town in the Nafussa Mountains. Ibrahim recalls memories of his visits at the age of five to the Tripoli prison where his eldest brother was held due to his political views and struggle for freedom under Qaddafi.
Ibrahim graduated with an Arabic teaching degree but due to his family background, was not allowed to teach in public schools. He was forced to do some odd jobs to earn a living until he managed to set up a car mechanic garage. In early February 2011, Ibrahim was in Tobruk when the revolution started. He immediately joined the revolution and travelled to Nalut where he fought against Qaddafi forces and was one of the first founders of the Tripoli Revolutionary Brigades. Once, his forces entered Tripoli, Ibrahim worked with the Higher Security Committee and the ministry of interior. He always expressed his hope that Libya could build modern security forces that would respect democracy and serve the people. Through the years, he became disillusioned and upset with the events and the interference of politics and money with security. It was in early 2018, that Ibrahim started engaging with Libya Centre, sharing with the centre his ideas and hopes to disband the Armed Groups in a way that would preserve the dignity of its members. Ibrahim managed through his work, dedication and wisdom to convince young Armed Groups members to reintegrate civilian life and to have a fresh start through education, work and dedication. He also managed with wisdom and skill to persuade armed group members who wish to pursue a career in the security forces that they had to receive the adequate training, respect their hierarchy and before all should adhere to a new doctrine based on serving and protecting the people.
Ibrahim continued his work by creating in 2021 Leaders for Change, Peace building and Development, a civil society organization that would pave the way for young Armed Groups members to reintegrate civilian life. He also encouraged them to start Al Irada party as a means to engage in the political process.
Ibrahim was much respected by Armed Group members in Tripoli but also in Misrata, Zawyia and the Nafussa Mountains.
He was also working with a panel of military and security experts on rebuilding and restructuring new military and security forces.
In January 2022, Ibrahim was asked by Ayub Abu Ras to join a delegation that was supposed to meet Agueela Saleh in Cairo, he advised Ayub that such a meeting will only serve Agueela and Haftar, however, he mentioned that he would not mind meeting Agueela on Libyan soil.
Ibrahim was not happy with the current events in Libya and saddened by the divisions and competition between Dbeiba and Bashagha, he saw it as strengthening Haftar and paving the way for him and his son’s.
Tuesday, February 15th 2022, Ibrahim was shot in the head at his apartment in Addahra, Tripoli. He was shot while opening the door, his wife was killed on the praying mat and his eldest son of 18 was shot in his bed. His youngest son of 14 found the bodies of his family while entering their apartment at noon.
A sad story of a brave, wise, decent man and a happy Libyan family of loving father, a caring mother and two wonderful teenagers.
Ibrahim would always be remembered by his friends and colleagues at the Libya Research Centre.
Ibrahim in a photo taking at the Libya Research Centre in January 2022, with Stephanie Williams, representatives of the Women’s, Labour and Youth Unions, the Chamber of Commerce