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🛒 تسوق الآنLibya's Intelligence Chief Dismissal Sparks Constitutional Crisis and Political Split
Libya's Intelligence Chief Dismissal Sparks Constitutional Crisis and Political Split
A fierce power struggle erupts over who controls Libya's sovereign institutions
Libya is facing its most serious governance crisis in months after the Presidential Council's decision to dismiss the head of the General Intelligence Service triggered a sharp political divide. The move has exposed deep fractures between the country's rival institutions and raised urgent questions about the legal framework governing sovereign appointments.
Aqila Saleh, Speaker of the House of Representatives, sent an urgent letter to intelligence chiefs in friendly and sisterly nations, outlining the legal framework regulating Libya's intelligence apparatus. The message was clear: any appointment or dismissal of the intelligence chief is invalid unless approved by the House of Representatives in a formal session attended by at least 120 members, Saleh stated.
Saleh Asserts Parliamentary Authority Over Intelligence Appointments
In the letter, Saleh explained that the House of Representatives — as the sole legitimate legislative authority — approved fundamental amendments to intelligence legislation more than three years ago. These amendments were designed to strengthen the independence of the intelligence service and prevent it from being used to serve narrow political interests.
The legislative changes also included legal guarantees related to accountability and investigation procedures, aimed at preventing their use for political or retaliatory purposes, and protecting the institution from political pressures and rivalries, according to Egypt Telegraph.
Saleh emphasized that the legitimate leadership of the intelligence service derives its authority from enforceable legislation and approved constitutional procedures, stressing that the institution continues to operate from within Libyan territory until state authority is fully extended across the country.
Koni Denies Presidential Council Statement
The crisis deepened when Musa Al-Koni, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Council, publicly rejected the statement issued in the Council's name regarding the dismissal of the intelligence chief. Al-Koni declared that the published statement contained "incorrect facts and events contrary to reality" and had not received any consensus or legal agreement within the Council.
Al-Koni confirmed he actually participated in the meeting via video conference, denying claims of his absence. He stated that the meeting witnessed extensive discussions about naming a new intelligence chief and a new Chief of General Staff, but no agreement or consensus was reached.
"The Presidential Council exercises its powers as a 'collective authority' under the Political Agreement," Al-Koni stated. "Decisions related to sovereign positions have no legal effect unless discussed, collectively adopted, and documented in official approved minutes." He described what occurred as a violation of institutional responsibility and misleading to public opinion.
Security Challenges and Armed Group Pressure
Saleh's letter also addressed the security challenges the intelligence service has faced in recent months, including attacks on some of its facilities, incidents related to prisoner escapes, and attempts by armed groups and entities outside legitimate authority to influence the service's leadership or impose changes outside legal frameworks.
Address Libya reported that Saleh warned against involving security and sovereign institutions in political rivalries, stating that raising the issue of changing the heads of these institutions at the current time would deepen division, confuse the political scene, and obstruct efforts to unify state institutions and reach elections.
Broader Implications for Libya's Stability
The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between Libya's executive and legislative branches, both of which claim authority over sovereign appointments. With elections still pending and state institutions fragmented, the power struggle over the intelligence service threatens to further destabilize a country still recovering from over a decade of conflict.
Saleh called on all parties to prioritize the national interest and refrain from taking unstudied measures or decisions affecting these institutions, stressing that the sensitivity and national standing of sovereign security institutions require neutralizing them from political conflicts to ensure their continued professional and independent performance.
The coming days will determine whether Libya's rival institutions can find a legal pathway through this crisis — or whether the country slides deeper into institutional paralysis at a moment when unified governance is most needed.
— Libya Press / Politics Desk
