On Wednesday, Libyan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Najla Al-Mangoush has dismissed Libya’s Ambassador to Washington, Wafa Bughaighis, due to the latter’s “refusal to hand over her duties after the expiry of her term of office.”
In an official letter, Al-Mangoush said, “based on the expiry of the Ambassador’s term in office since 30 May, and her failure to comply with our instructions and return to her work in Libya, a decision was issued to dismiss her from her position, and her stay in the US is considered illegal.”
The minister also appointed Khaled Al-Daif, as interim Charge d’Affaires, according to the letter addressed to him, and the financial officer of the embassy.
Libya descended into conflict after long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled and killed in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.
The transitional Government of National Unity (GNU), which took office in March faces daunting challenges, including unifying the country’s institutions, ending a decade of fighting, and preparing for December elections.