51�Թ�

“Auntie Idris,” I say, and she looks up with that smile of hers.

Said Idris: "I'm in a position now where I get to kind of sit back and choose what roles I want to play or choose what roles I want to give my energy to."

In 1951, the newly crowned King Idris I broadcast a radio address from the city to proclaim Libya independent.

Gaddafi's long reign Col Gaddafi ruled Libya for nearly 42 years after he took power from King Idris I, when he was just 27 years old.

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has ruled Libya for 42 years after he took power from King Idris I, when he was just 27 years old.