Head of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez al-Sarraj appointed a new defense minister and chief of staff in what was interpreted as a move against suspended Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha.
The minister had recently returned to the North African country from a trip to Turkey and was given a big reception by officers and supporters and even an unprecedented military parade to mark his arrival back home.
Bashagha was suspended by the GNA over his handling of street protests and his violent crackdown against them. People had taken to the streets to protest against poor services and living conditions.
The GNA said it will investigate Bashagha.
Bashagha appeared to defy the GNA by being escorted to his home from the airport by a very large convoy that made its way through the capital, Tripoli, where Sarraj's government is based. He was also accompanied by allied armed factions.
Local media reported that protesters in western Tripoli celebrated Bashagha's return by chanting against Syrian mercenaries that have been brought in by Turkey to prop up the GNA forces.
In remarks from the airport, the minister said: "I am not opposed to any group or individual. I am speaking about a sick phenomenon called corruption."
He later said he will comply with the GNA request to investigate him, despite his legal misgivings. He vowed that he will continue his fight against corruption, inside and outside the government.
Separately, Sarraj appointed Mohammed al-Haddad as chief of staff, replacing Mohammed al-Sharif. Salah Namroush was also promoted to Defense Minister, a position that was occupied by Sarraj.
Haddad is a native of the coastal city of Misrata, 200 kilometer east of Tripoli. Misrata is a stronghold of armed groups that have fought alongside the GNA against the Libyan National Army (LNA), commanded by Khalifa Haftar.
The appointments were announced days after Sarraj announced a government reshuffle amid mounting popular anger in Tripoli and other cities in western Libya that are controlled by the GNA.
Separately, deputy head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, Stephanie Williams held talks in Cairo with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri and head of intelligence Abbas Kamel.
Discussions focused on means to end the escalation in Libya and the need for an immediate return to a comprehensive UN-sponsored political process.
