Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez Al-Sarraj departed Libya on Sunday, tasking his deputy Ahmed Maiteeq with his duties, sources told the Italian news agency Corriere Della Sera.
The outgoing Premier is now in Rome for a series of meetings “intended to last several days.” As well as to undergo surgery that lasted five hours, “perhaps for a tumour,” the sources added.
In September, the PM made a surprise announcement regarding his intention to resign from his post, adding that he wanted to hand over his duties to the next authority, by the end of October. However, Al-Sarraj backtracked on his decision due to the High State Council (HSC) demanding him to remain in office until a new Presidential Council was chosen.
Earlier this month, Mohamed Al-Menfi was elected as the new Head of the Libyan Presidential Council, while Abdel-Hamid Dabiba was named as the new Prime Minister. The transitional government will lead the country until national elections scheduled for 24 December. The interim government must obtain the confidence of Parliament within 21 days.