TRIPOLI: Libyan Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha was suspended from his duties by the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) on Friday. His handling of street protests and a violent crackdown against them is to would be investigated.
The move coincides with reports of growing friction between GNA Prime Minister Fayez Al Sarraj and Bashagha, an influential figure from the port city and military power base of Misrata.
Bashagha, who was nominated in 2018, played a central role during a 14-month offensive on Tripoli by eastern-based forces that the GNA repelled in June with military support from Turkey.
He is well regarded by the GNA’s international backers and had announced steps to rein in the armed groups that hold real power in Tripoli. Loud gunfire could be heard over central Tripoli shortly after the decision was announced.
A decree issued by Al Sarraj said Bashagha would be investigated by the GNA leadership within 72 hours and his duties would be assumed by a deputy minister, Khalid Ahmad Mazen. A separate decree assigned a regional force headed by Osama Jweili, a commander from another militarily powerful city, Zintan, to help ensure security in Tripoli.
In a statement, Bashagha expressed readiness for an investigation, but said it should be televised to ensure transparency.