Speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives Ageela Saleh has reaffirmed that Lt. Gen. Hussein Al-Ayeb will continue serving as Chairman of the Libyan Intelligence Agency, declaring that he retains full legal authority to carry out his duties despite the Presidential Council’s recent decision to appoint a new intelligence chief.
In an official directive addressed to Al-Ayeb, Saleh instructed him to continue exercising all powers assigned to his office under the Constitutional Declaration and its amendments, the Libyan Political Agreement, and Law No. 8 of 2023 governing the organization of the Libyan Intelligence Agency.
The Speaker said Al-Ayeb should continue supervising the agency’s headquarters, regional branches, and operational units while ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of the institution. He also directed him to safeguard the agency’s facilities, documents, information, equipment, and assets against any unlawful seizure, interference, or misuse, and to pursue legal action against anyone found violating the law.
Saleh further stressed the importance of the Intelligence Agency continuing to perform its national responsibilities and maintaining close coordination with state institutions as well as regional and international partners on matters related to its mandate.
He also instructed Al-Ayeb to submit regular reports to the House of Representatives on the agency’s activities and operational performance. In addition, the intelligence chief was asked to immediately inform parliament of any exceptional developments or obstacles that could affect the agency’s ability to carry out its responsibilities, enabling the House to act within its constitutional and legal authority.
The Speaker called on all members of the Intelligence Agency to uphold the Constitution and the law, preserve the institution’s unity, professionalism, and independence, and avoid any actions that could undermine its national mission.
Saleh’s directive comes in response to a decision issued by the Presidential Council on June 28, removing Al-Ayeb from his post and appointing Abdulmajid Mliqta as his successor. The decision was approved by Presidential Council Chairman Mohamed Al-Mnifi and member Abdullah Al-Lafi but rejected by council member Mousa Al-Koni, who publicly opposed the appointment.
