By Sami Zaptia.
London, 16 March 2021:
The new incoming unified Libyan executive, the three-member Presidency Council and Government of National Unity (GNU) took over the reins of power in Tripoli today from the outgoing (initially) nine-member Presidency Council and Government of National Accord (GNA).
Describing the symbolic moment, the incoming administration said: ‘‘In a historical moment, enshrining the desired features of the state, and realising the aspirations of the Libyan people for democracy and the peaceful transfer of power, today, in the Prime Minister’s Office, the handover and reception ceremony between the former Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord and the Presidency Council and the Government of National Unity’’.
Incoming Presidency Council head Mohamed Menfi said: ‘‘Today, we see a historical scene that consolidates the principle of the peaceful transfer of power. The first part of our work will be preparing for the next elections in December, and we will hand over power on time, as we promised the Libyans.
While incoming Prime Minister of the new Government of National Unity, Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba, thanked Faiez Sarraj and his colleagues for their efforts during this difficult period, adding: ‘‘Mistakes and merits were present in very difficult circumstances experienced by the previous government.
Aldabaiba affirmed his intention to carry out reforms in the coming stage, and to complete what the outgoing Presidency Council had started in the interest the Libyan people.
Serraj reflects on his government’s time in office
Serraj congratulated the new government for gaining the confidence of parliament, which his government had failed to do throughout its term in office.
He lamented that his GNA had suffered many difficulties which he said were due to foreign interference.
He said that the Khalifa Hafter war on Tripoli had exacerbated the electricity crisis and caused foreign companies to leave Libya.
He said that the anti-Coronavirus vaccines will arrive in the country in the near future.
And that he handed over power today to establish the principle of the peaceful transfer of power.
Serraj was later seen leaving the Prime Minister’s Office driving his own personal car.
Interior Minister Bashagha hands over
At a separate ceremony at the Interior Ministry, outgoing Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha handed over power to his successor (and former Deputy) Khaled Mazin. Bashagha also drove away in his own private car.
