A major controversy is taking place in Libya regarding the Presidential Council’s decision to suspend the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the government’s refusal to implement the decision.
The Presidential Council Decision
The Libyan Presidential Council decided to suspend Foreign Minister Najla Al-Mangoush, from working. This is “a precaution” to investigate the “administrative violations” attributed to her. It added that the violations are represented in carrying out foreign policy without coordinating with the Presidential Council.
The Presidential Council’s Resolution No. 44 of 2021 issued on Saturday, stipulated banning Al-Mangoush from traveling outside the country until the completion of investigations and a decision on the results by the Presidential Council.
It formed an investigation committee with Libya’s Al-Mangoush, headed by the Council Vice-President, Abdullah Al-Lafi, and the membership of Adel Mohamed Sultan and Ahmed Jumaa Aqoub.
According to the resolution, the committee should submit the results of its work within a maximum deadline of 14 days from the date of the decision.
Cabinet Asks Al-Mangoush to Continue Her Work
Early Sunday, Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) rejected the Presidential Council’s decision to suspend Al-Mangoush from work and prevent her from traveling.
In its statement, Cabinet commended the Minister’s efforts, instructing her to continue her work at the same pace.
It added that there is “no legal right for the Presidential Council to appoint, cancel the appointment of members of the executive authority, suspend them, or investigate them.” The statement explained that such decisions are the exclusive powers of the Prime Minister of the GNU.
Foreign Ministry Clarifies Position on Abu Agila Masud Delivery
The Libyan Foreign Minister denied her mention of what was attributed to her regarding the Libyan citizen (Abu Agila Masud) during her interview with BBC.
The Minister explained that she answered a question related to the Lockerbie victims and the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, which a British citizen of Libyan origin accused of carrying out.
She noted that these issues fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Public Prosecutor in Libya, which is responsible for addressing them between the judicial institutions of the two countries.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also warned not to circulate and disseminate false and misleading news to public opinion, because it is considered a crime punishable by law.