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During the upheaval in Libya, rebels uncovered a personal scrapbook at Muammar Gaddafi’s Bab al-Aziziya compound, showcasing numerous images of Condoleezza Rice, the former US Secretary of State. This collection featured her at various public events, interacting with global leaders and delivering speeches. Gaddafi, who ruled Libya with an iron fist, had an unexpected admiration for Rice.

In a 2007 interview with Al Jazeera, Gaddafi expressed his support for Rice, referring to her as his 'darling black African woman' and praised her commanding presence among Arab leaders. He famously declared, 'Yes, Leezza, Leezza, Leezza… I love her very much.'

Rice later recounted in her memoir, No Higher Honor, that Gaddafi had a peculiar fascination with her, often inquiring why his 'African princess' had not visited him. Their meeting in Tripoli in 2008 during her Middle Eastern tour was particularly memorable. Despite her security team's objections, Gaddafi insisted she join him for dinner in his private kitchen after sunset during Ramadan.

At the dinner, Gaddafi presented her with a videotape featuring a montage of her with various world leaders, including President Bush and Vladimir Putin, accompanied by a song titled 'Black Flower in the White House', composed for her by a Libyan artist. Although the gesture was odd, it was not inappropriate.

As reported by The Atlantic and The Washington Post, Gaddafi's demeanor shifted from somber to joyful upon Rice's arrival. In accordance with traditional Muslim customs, he greeted her with a hand over his heart instead of a handshake. Upon her departure, he gifted her items valued at $212,225, including a diamond ring and a locket with his photo, as noted in a 2009 US State Department report.

Additionally, he presented her with an autographed copy of his influential work, The Green Book, which outlines his revolutionary ideologies. The inscription read, 'From Muammar Gaddafi, with respect and admiration.'