Prosecutor threatens Libya FM with legal action for ‘abusing her power’
Prosecutor threatens Libya FM with legal action for ‘abusing her power’
Libya's first female foreign minister has been threatened with legal action by the country's public prosecutor following complaints she 'abused her power' by dismissing ambassadors.
2 min read
Ms Mangoush took office in March after complains that not enough women were serving in Libya's interim government [Getty]
ⲹ’s first female has been threatened with legal action by the country’s public prosecutor following complaints from several diplomats this week.
sent a letter to Libyan Presidential Council head Mohammed Al-Menfi,criticising the FM for “deliberately fail[ing] to respect the principle of legality”.
Al-Sour’s criticism was prompted by the dismissal of numerous ambassadors, including that ofambassador to the US Wafa Bughaighis last month.
“The Foreign Minister must not take advantage of her powers, infringe on the presidential council’s mandate, ignore its decision or cause disruption of Libyan diplomacy at this sensitive stage”.
has claimed that suspending the ambassadors’ employment was in accordance with Article 174 of the Labour Relations Law.
The former lawyer and human rights activist was appointed foreign minister by the country’s interim in March after the PM faced backlash for failing to give 30 percent of ministerial posts to women.
was part of the transitional council that briefly governed Libya after its 2011 uprising, and her appointment was seen as a hopeful moment of gender inclusivity in Libya.
Dbeibah’s unity governmentis tasked with overseeing state institutions until nationwide elections take place on 24 December.
“Libya is at a crossroads where positive or negative outcomes are equally possible,” said Jan Kubis, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya.
“With the elections, there is an opportunity for Libya to move gradually and convincingly into a more stable, representative civilian track.”
