In a new development reflecting rising tensions within Libya’s governing institutions, Mohamed Al-Menfi has decided to freeze the work of Taher Al-Baour, the acting foreign minister in the Government of National Unity, and bar him from carrying out external representation duties, in a move with notable political and diplomatic dimensions.
The decision came at a time when the United States and a number of other countries welcomed the approval of the first unified budget, viewing it as a positive sign toward reducing the country’s institutional division.
The head of Libya’s Presidential Council requested the suspension of Taher Al-Baour, the acting foreign minister in Libya’s Government of National Unity, from work and barred him from external representation duties, coinciding with the United States and other countries welcoming the approval of the first unified budget as a step toward ending the division.
Al-Menfi called on the government of Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh to submit an official nominee for the post in accordance with legal frameworks, warning that any unilateral decisions could disrupt diplomatic work and undermine sovereignty, and stressing that the foreign affairs portfolio requires mandatory consultation.
