Libyan Presidential Council head Mohamed al-Menfi has extended an invitation to former parliament speaker Aguila Saleh to visit Tripoli and participate in the second meeting of the High Authority for Presidencies. The meeting, scheduled for October 18, is based on the Tripoli Declaration issued on November 20, 2025, regarding the establishment of the High Authority for Presidencies as a coordinating framework for national sovereign decision-making.
The invitation, dated October 7, 2026, also includes Mohamed Miftah Takala, head of the High Council of State, and Abdallah Al-Lafi and Moussa Al-Koni, deputies of the Presidential Council, as well as Abdul Hamid Al-Dbeiba, head of the Government of National Unity. Al-Menfi emphasized that the participation of heads of institutions in this meeting comes in light of the historical circumstances that Libya is facing.
The current challenges facing Libya include economic and security issues, as well as attempts at foreign guardianship. Al-Menfi believes that overcoming political differences is necessary for the country's interest. The invitation comes at a sensitive political time, following recent developments within the House of Representatives that resulted in the election of a new leadership.
The new leadership, headed by Salehin Abdul Nabi, replaced Aguila Saleh amid ongoing debate over the legality of the procedures that led to the change in leadership. Al-Menfi had previously expressed a clear stance on the procedures that targeted the removal of Aguila Saleh from the parliament's presidency. He stressed that differences within the legislative institution should be resolved according to the constitutional declaration and its amendments.
Al-Menfi emphasized that the sixth constitutional amendment, specifically Article 6, paragraph "d", regarding the quorum required to dismiss the House of Representatives' head, does not allow for the constitutional text to be bypassed by any interpretation, law, or regulation. He called on House of Representatives members to prioritize the higher interest and preserve the unity of the institution.
Al-Menfi warned against entering into a "legitimacy conflict" and stressed the need to resort to constitutional justice and adhere to governing texts. His stance came after a session held by some members of the House of Representatives in Benghazi, which resulted in the freezing of the previous leadership's work in preparation for electing a new one.
The meeting of the High Authority for Presidencies may represent a space for maintaining communication between Libyan institutions and overcoming the repercussions of the recent conflict. Alternatively, it may face a new political reality imposed by the reorganization of the House of Representatives' leadership.
Key points
- The Libyan Presidential Council head Mohamed al-Menfi invites former parliament speaker Aguila Saleh to Tripoli for a meeting.
- The meeting of the High Authority for Presidencies is scheduled for October 18.
- The invitation comes amid a sensitive political time following recent developments within the House of Representatives.
