Muammar Gaddafi's ultimate dream was a United States of Africa, with one currency, one army and one King of Kings: himself.
Known to grease palms with his country's oil wealth, many African leaders saw their alliances with the dictator as business deals.
He supported many rebel groups throughout the troubled regions of the continent, but sought the recognition and favour of both state leaders and warlords.
His support for the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa meant that Nelson Mandela refused to turn his back on Gaddafi, and even called him "the brother leader".
The Libyan leader sought to cement his status on the continent further by heavily investing in the region. Under his rule Libya invested millions in over twenty African countries.
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In 2010 Gaddafi pledged to pump almost 100 billion into Western Africa to "free it from Western influence."
His investments and various massive pledges to the African Union now hang in the balance.
