The speaker of Libya’s parliament was removed on Tuesday after 12 years in the position, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. Aguila Saleh, a supporter of Khalifa Haftar, was ousted in a move that has heightened tensions in a nation already divided between rival governments. Al-Salhin Abdelnabi Al-Obeidi took over as the new speaker, representing the eastern-based parliament.
The change occurs amid ongoing political stalemate, with Libya split between two competing administrations backed by armed militias. Saleh’s removal follows months of instability, as the country struggles to form a unified government. Haftar’s forces continue to exert influence in eastern Libya, while the internationally recognized government remains based in Tripoli.
This development adds to the complexity of Libya’s political crisis, which has persisted for years. The removal of Saleh, a key figure in the eastern parliament, is seen as a move that could further fragment the already fragile political process. Analysts warn that such shifts risk deepening divisions rather than resolving them. The situation remains fluid, with no immediate signs of a political resolution in sight.
