Power struggle brews as rival Libya PM flies to Tripoli

Libya faces a new power struggle after the country’s eastern-based parliament appointed a second interim prime minister.

Formerly serving as interior minister, Fathi Bashagha has been approved by the House of Representatives in his new post and it means he now rivals the existing head of the unity government, Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah.

Late on Thursday Mr Bashagha flew to the capital, Tripoli, promising to “open a new chapter” in Libyan politics.

The announcement came just hours after Mr Dbeibah’s convoy was targeted in a drive-by shooting.

The appointment of Mr Bashagha is likely to deepen divisions between the eastern-based assembly and the Tripoli administration – raising the risks of more violence as Libya awaits postponed elections.

By BBC