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The Tripoli-based head of the Libyan government temporarily removed the Interior Minister of the Government of National Accord (KES) from his post, stating that his handling of protest demonstrations and violent crackdown on protesters will be investigated.
Increased friction
Fayez al-Saraj’s decision coincides with reports of growing friction between the KES prime minister and Interior Minister Fati Basaga, a highly influential political figure from the port city and military base of Misrata.
Basaga, who was appointed minister in 2018, played a key role during the 14-month military offensive by the forces of the powerful eastern Libyan man Khalifa Haftar with the aim of capturing Tripoli, an attack repelled by the KES in June with the army. of Turkey.
Basaga is appreciated by international supporters of KES and had announced measures to control the armed groups in power in Tripoli.
Shots were heard in the center of the capital after the announcement of the decision to temporarily expel the minister.
Investigation decree
A decree issued by Saraj stated that Basaga would be investigated by KES leaders within 72 hours and that his duties would be assumed by a deputy minister, Khalid Ahmad Mazen.
A special decree has been assigned to a regional force led by Osama Zayli, commander of the militarily powerful city of Zidane, to help secure the Libyan capital.
In a statement, Basaga said he is ready for any investigation, but stressed that it must be televised to ensure transparency.
Until Sunday, protests over deteriorating living conditions and corruption have intensified in Tripoli.
Fire against protesters
Gunmen used fire to disperse the crowd, and a 24-hour curfew was imposed on Thursday to stop the spread of the coronavirus, according to the government.
Critics saw the decision as a tactic to curb the protests.
The Interior Ministry under Basaga said it was ready to protect peaceful protesters from armed groups.
Amnesty International said on Thursday that at least six protesters were abducted on Sunday and many more were injured after gunmen fired.
Source: ΑΠΕ
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