Two ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU), headed by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba announced their resignation. This is after the Libyan Parliament withdrew confidence from the government, and granted confidence to a new government headed by Fathi Bashagha.
The GNU’s Minister of Civil Service, Abdel-Fatah Al-Khouja said that he submitted his resignation on Wednesday. He added that he is committed to his oath to abide by the Constitutional Declaration, and preserve the territorial integrity of Libya.
Al-Khouja confirmed his readiness to hand over power, saying that “he would not be a part in returning to political divisions in the country.”
Moreover, the Minister of State for Immigration Affairs, Ajedid Maatog also announced his resignation. He reiterated his readiness to hand over his office to his successor.
On 10 February, the Speaker of the Libyan Parliament, Ageela Saleh announced the unanimous appointment of Bashagha as the new Prime Minister. But Dbaiba warned that the appointment of a new interim government could lead to war and chaos in the country. He renewed his pledge to only hand power over to an elected government.
Libya has been mired in a political crisis since the fall of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011. Observers fear that Libya will return to having two opposing governments, threatening the nation’s vital oil sector.
On Saturday, the Minister of Health of the new Libyan Government, Othman Abdel-Jalil took a constitutional oath before the Speaker of the Libyan Parliament, Ageela Saleh.
Spokesman for the Libyan Parliament, Abdullah Blaiheg noted that Abdel-Jalil was unable to reach the original session, which took place on Thursday.
Domestic flights were suspended following orders issued by the outgoing Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba. He ordered the closure of Libyan airspace, after the Libyan Parliament gave confidence to a new rival government, headed by Fathi Bashagha.