The Libyan political landscape has recently witnessed a series of government decisions and meetings focused on restructuring the executive branch and filling vacancies within several state positions. These steps, according to authorities, aim to bolster government efficiency and ensure the continuity of state institutions.
This movement coincided with a tripartite meeting attended by the President of the Presidential Council, Mohamed al-Menfi, the Head of the High Council of State, Mohamed Takala, and the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh. The session was dedicated to reviewing the recent measures taken by the Prime Minister to organize government operations and address vacancies within the cabinet lineup.
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During the discussions, the Prime Minister presented an overview of the procedures initiated to fill vacant government posts, ensuring the steady performance of the executive branch and the uninterrupted delivery of public services in the national interest. Both Al-Menfi and Takala noted that Dbeibeh had consulted them regarding these steps to ensure their alignment with the legal and political frameworks governing this period, specifically the Political Agreement. They praised his positive interaction with their observations and his consideration of national and institutional factors.
The Head of the High Council of State expressed his support for these reforms, while the President of the Presidential Council formally approved the Prime Minister’s measures to fill vacancies and enhance administrative efficiency. The leaders emphasized the vital importance of continued coordination between state bodies to support institutional stability and create the necessary conditions for a national consensus that enables the holding of elections based on agreed-upon and implementable rules.
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In the same context, the GNU Council of Ministers held its first meeting of 2026, chaired by Dbeibeh and attended by Al-Menfi and Takala, following the completion of the first phase of reformative measures. The reshuffle included several appointments across various ministries and sectors:
Salem al-Zadma was appointed Deputy Prime Minister for the Southern Region, succeeding Ramadan Boujannah. Mohamed al-Dbeib took over the Ministry of Higher Education from Omran al-Qib, while Mohamed al-Ghouj was named Minister of Health. Suhail Boushiha replaced Mohamed al-Hwaij as Minister of Economy, and Fouad Barghash was appointed Minister of Sports.
The list continued with Abdul Shafi al-Jouifi for Local Government, Mohamed Said for Industry, Abdul Qader Ahmed for Transportation, and Fathallah al-Zuni as Minister of State for African Affairs. Randa Ghareeb succeeded Houria Tormal as Minister for Women’s Affairs, while Imad al-Trabelsi was confirmed as Minister of Interior. Rashid Boughafa replaced Khalid al-Mabrouk as Minister of Finance, and Haitham al-Zahaf was appointed Minister of Youth.
Furthermore, Ziad Abdul Warith al-Hajjaji was named Minister of State for Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence, Nasreddine al-Fazani as Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Jamal Abu-Qarin as Minister of State for Displaced Persons, Salem al-Alam for Culture (succeeding Mabrouka Toghi), and Essam Jumaa for Housing (succeeding Abu Bakr Owaidat).
During the meeting, Dbeibeh stressed that the government’s duration in power is less important than its eventual handover following elections. He revealed that the new ministers underwent specialized training programs and workshops supervised by the Economic and Social Development Council before the reforms were announced—a first in Libyan government practice. He noted that the changes aimed to “inject new blood” and were based on competence and broad national representation from the east, west, and south.
Addressing anti-corruption efforts, Dbeibeh asserted that no minister or official enjoys immunity from accountability, expressing full support for the measures taken by oversight bodies and the Libyan Public Prosecution. Regarding the economy, the Prime Minister disclosed that the government requested the Central Bank of Libya to halt spending on Chapter Three (Development) for all entities, calling for adherence to a unified developmental agreement to ensure projects are implemented nationwide according to the state’s financial capabilities.
He concluded by reiterating that the government’s priority remains the livelihood of Libyans and ensuring the payment of salaries. He affirmed the government’s readiness to hand over power at any time to a legitimate government resulting from elections, calling on all political parties to engage in dialogue to achieve the people’s aspirations. These reforms represent an attempt to reorganize the executive authority during a complex political phase, focusing on institutional stability until the long-awaited elections are realized.