Muammar Gaddafi’s declaration of an end to the Libya-US stand-off ‘once and for all’ not only heralds Libya’s commitment to societal change but also offers great lessons to Africa. Gaddafi, once written off as “a ruthless despot and mad dog” by former US president Ronald Reagan, spoke this as he marked the 39th anniversary of his overthrow of the western-backed monarchy.

The Libyan leader is exhibiting an extraordinary capacity to rethink his country's role in a changing world. He compensated families of the Lockerbie, Scotland, bombing victims; has allowed media scrutiny by permitting satellite dishes throughout his country and acknowledges and respects private property as appropriate in developing societies.

Gaddafi has put corrupt officials on notice, is dismantling bureaucratic bottlenecks to ensure that oil wealth trickles down to ordinary citizens and has acknowledged Libya's involvement in terrorism.

Gaddafi's shifting stand should be a wake up call to African leaders who had previously heeded to his call of clinging to power till they die.A good African leader should study the mood of his people and the world to drive his country to prosperity.