A member of Libya's parliament from Ghat, Nassr Yusuf Mohammed, has expressed strong objections to a recent decision by the government of Prime Minister Hamad to suspend 12 mayors from southern municipalities. The mayors were suspended following a visit to Tripoli, the country's capital. Nassr Yusuf Mohammed called for the immediate reversal of the decision and the reinstatement of the suspended mayors to their duties. He argued that the government's decision lacks a proper legal basis and contradicts the country's Local Administration Law and its executive regulations.
The Libyan parliament member emphasized that the suspension decision is discriminatory and reinforces the perception of a political targeting of the southern region and its service representatives. He noted that mayors from other regions who took similar actions were not subjected to the same consequences, which he described as unjustified discrimination. Nassr Yusuf Mohammed also highlighted that the issue extends beyond the suspensions, as convoys headed to the southern region, carrying equipment and electrical generators for local municipalities, have been intercepted and their routes altered.
Nassr Yusuf Mohammed reported a previous incident where equipment and machinery belonging to the General Company for Water and Sanitation, intended for Ghat during the flood crisis, were intercepted and redirected to Tripoli. He described the diversion of supplies as an "illegitimate seizure of public properties." The parliament member urged the Public Prosecutor to intervene and take legal actions. He warned that such actions could have repercussions on service security and stability in the region.
The Libyan government, led by Prime Minister Hamad, has not provided detailed explanations for its decision to suspend the mayors or for the interception of convoys meant for the southern region. The actions have sparked concerns about the flow of essential services to these areas and the potential for increased tensions between different regions of Libya.
Nassr Yusuf Mohammed demanded the cancellation of the suspension decision and an end to the obstruction of convoys or detention of supplies designated for the southern region. He also called for those responsible for the attacks on service supplies to be held accountable. The parliament member stressed the right of the mayors and municipal councils to challenge the decisions issued against them before the judiciary.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in Libya, where local governance and regional dynamics continue to play a critical role in the country's stability. The suspension of mayors and the interception of service supplies have raised questions about the government's approach to managing regional relationships and ensuring equitable service delivery across the country.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the Libyan government will respond to Nassr Yusuf Mohammed's demands and the concerns of the southern municipalities. The issue is likely to continue affecting Libya's political landscape, particularly in terms of regional relations and the provision of public services.
Key points
- Libyan MP Nassr Yusuf Mohammed protests gov't decision to suspend 12 mayors from southern municipalities
- The suspensions and interception of service supplies have sparked concerns about regional tensions and service delivery in Libya
- Nassr Yusuf Mohammed calls for reversal of suspension decision and warns of potential repercussions on regional stability
