Libya’s Parliament Speaker Removed After 12 Years Amid Political Changes

Libya’s parliament speaker, Agila Saleh, was removed from his position on Tuesday after serving for 12 years. This change may indicate a shift in the country’s political landscape, according to experts.

Members of parliament voted to replace Saleh with Al-Salhin Abdelnabi al-Obeidi, as announced by the parliament’s spokesman on social media platform X. Saleh, who is 82 years old, has been a strong supporter of military leader Khalifa Haftar.

Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has faced ongoing violence and instability. The country is currently split between two rival governments: one recognized by the United Nations in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and another in the east that is backed by Haftar.

Haftar’s supporters control the parliament, which is based in the eastern city of Benghazi. Saleh’s removal suggests a weakening of his influence, particularly as Haftar’s sons, especially Saddam Haftar, gain more power.

Analyst Emadeddin Badi from Chatham House noted that Saleh’s ousting reflects Saddam Haftar’s efforts to centralize authority in eastern Libya and secure a stronger political role.

This leadership change occurs as the United States is working on a plan to revive Libya’s political process and unify its institutions.