After Gaddafi’s hold on Tripoli fell after thousands of the internationally-backed Libyan rebels (otherwise known as the National Liberation Army) swarmed into the capital that had been battered constantly by more than 7,000 NATO airstrikes, celebrations have been incessant in various parts of Libya and the world. However now that most of Gaddafi’s political influence has finally broken, the rebel National Transitional Council faces the burden of governing immediately after a civil war.

In addition to to the problems of government and politics, the National Transitional Council also faces yet another task: the capture of former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi and the eradication of the remaining areas still loyal to him.

Like Tunisia’s former dictator Ben Ali who was usurped by Tunisians at the beginning of the Jasmine Revolution, Gaddafi has managed to flee his Bab al-Azizya compound and the scene of fighting while vowing to fight on until “victory or martyrdom” despite the loss of support with the majority of his political staff including the Libyan foreign minister.

Many are hoping that Gaddafi will be captured and face charges in court much like Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak. However, in order to encourage the hunt for Gaddafi, the Libyan freedom fighters have posted up a bounty of nearly $2 million U.S. dollars for Gaddafi, dead or alive.

In addition the individual who kills or captures Gaddafi will be granted a general amnesty for past crimes.

Some speculate that Gaddafi has taken up refuge in isolated desert areas near the capital while others believe he has fled to an unknown compound possibly in his hometown of the coastal city of Sirte.

Meanwhile other countries and organizations such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, the African Union, the Arab League, the European Union and others have pledged to support the National Transitional Council so that the transition of power can go smoothly.

Supporting the National Transitional Council also means that the said countries or organizations have already recognized the Libyan rebel leadership as the legitimate government body of Libya.

Support will include monetary assets ($1.5 billion alone just from the frozen Libyan assets), humanitarian operations and other forms of relief for the country that has been ravaged by missiles, gunfire and bombs.

Others congratulated the National Transitional Council and praised the rebels for their hard efforts despite the clear disorganization of the rebel armed forces just a few weeks earlier.

Organizations such as the controversial Hamas also congratulated the Libyan people and expressed wishes that the people will now live a life of prosperity and democracy after the 42 year rule of Gaddafi, the longest in modern North African and Middle Eastern history, crashed down.

(Cover Photo: Reuters)