The head of Libya’s UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez al-Sarraj, has left the country for an unknown destination for an indefinite period, entrusting his duties to his deputy chair, Ahmed Maiteeq, the Al Arabiya TV channel reported.According to the TV channel, the written instruction on appointing Maiteeq the head of the council came into force on Sunday to be in effect until Sarraj’s return to Libya.
The secret disappearance caused a wave of speculation in social networks about whether he will come back to the country, given that Sarraj has never delegated authority to anyone during his previous trips abroad.Al Arabiya also said that taking note of Sarraj’s reportedly poor health condition and the political situation in the country after the election of new members of the Presidency Council, there is a possibility that he decided to step down.
Earlier in February, the Swiss-hosted Libyan political dialogue forum elected a transitional executive authority that will be in charge until a national general election scheduled for Dec. 24.
Sarraj was set to head the Presidency Council until the transfer of powers to its new members after a vote on the approval of the new government by parliament on March 21. (Sputnik/NAN)