Libya’s Eastern Parliament Ousts Speaker Aguila Saleh After Nearly 12 Years

TRIPOLI, Libya — Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives has removed its long-serving speaker, Aguila Saleh, after nearly 12 years in office, in a move that signals growing dissatisfaction within the divided country’s eastern political establishment.

Lawmakers in the 170-member parliament voted on Tuesday to replace Saleh with Al-Salhin Abdulnabi al-Obeidi, an engineer and representative of the eastern city of Tobruk.

Saleh had held the speakership since 2014 and became one of the most prominent political figures in Libya’s eastern camp. He has also been a strong political ally of military commander Khalifa Haftar, whose forces and political network dominate much of eastern Libya.

Leadership Discontent

The decision followed growing disagreements among lawmakers over the leadership and internal rules of the House of Representatives.

A day before Saleh’s removal, 98 lawmakers approved a new system under which the speaker and deputy speakers would serve a single 12-month term.

Local media reported that Saleh had previously rejected the proceedings, arguing that the vote to impose term limits was not official and had no legal effect.

His eventual removal marks a significant change in the leadership of an institution that has played a central role in Libya’s political division since the country descended into prolonged conflict following the 2011 uprising that ended Muammar Gaddafi’s rule.

Haftar’s Influence Under Scrutiny

Saleh’s political fortunes have also come under scrutiny as members of Haftar’s family and inner circle strengthen their positions in eastern Libya.

Analysts cited in reports surrounding the parliamentary vote have pointed particularly to Saddam Haftar, one of Khalifa Haftar’s sons, whose growing political and military influence has contributed to changes within the eastern power structure.

Saleh has remained closely associated with Haftar throughout Libya’s political and military struggles. His departure from the speakership could therefore reshape the balance of influence within the eastern administration, although it remains unclear how significantly it will affect Haftar’s broader political and military network.

Libya Remains Politically Divided

Libya has struggled to establish stable national institutions since Gaddafi was overthrown and killed in 2011.

The country remains divided between the internationally recognised administration based in Tripoli and a rival political and military establishment based in the east and supported by Haftar.

Years of conflict and competing administrations have left key state institutions divided, complicating efforts to organise national elections and establish a unified government.

The House of Representatives, based in eastern Libya, has been one of the principal political institutions supporting the eastern administration.

Change Comes Amid Renewed Diplomatic Efforts

Saleh’s removal comes as international efforts to revive Libya’s stalled political process continue.

A United States-backed initiative aimed at encouraging political dialogue, advancing institutional unification and creating a pathway toward elections is currently under discussion.

Libya’s political factions have repeatedly struggled to reach agreement over the rules and institutions required for a nationwide political settlement. Disputes over political legitimacy, control of state institutions, military structures and the organisation of elections have continued to impede progress.

The change in leadership of the eastern parliament could therefore have wider implications for negotiations aimed at ending Libya’s political division.

For now, attention will turn to Al-Salhin Abdulnabi al-Obeidi and whether his appointment leads to changes in the House of Representatives’ relationship with the eastern administration and Haftar’s political camp.

Saleh’s removal ends one of the longest periods of parliamentary leadership in Libya’s post-Gaddafi era and introduces a new political figure at a potentially important moment in the country’s efforts to overcome years of institutional fragmentation.