On 8 July, House of Representatives (HoR) Speaker Aqeela Saleh officially directed Lieutenant General Hussein al-Aib to remain in his post as the Director of the Libyan Intelligence Service (LIS); also ‘General Intelligence Service’). In an official directive, Saleh rejected a recent move by the Presidential Council (PC) to replace al-Aib as intelligence chief, declaring the Council’s decision invalid. Saleh argued that the PC’s attempt lacked the legally required unanimity and bypassed a critical constitutional procedure stipulated in the Libyan Political Agreement, which mandates that any appointment for the head of the intelligence service must be submitted to the HoR for ratification.
According to Saleh, his directive is grounded in the Constitutional Declaration and its amendments, the Libyan Political Agreement, and Law No. 8 of 2023 (on the Reorganization of the Libyan Intelligence Service) concerning the reorganization of the intelligence agency. In order to maintain institutional stability, ensure the smooth functioning of public services, and uphold constitutional legitimacy, Saleh instructed al-Aib to fully exercise all powers granted to him by law.
Beyond confirming his leadership, Saleh charged al-Aib with supervising all regional branches and operational units, while taking stringent measures to safeguard the agency’s headquarters, infrastructure, documents, information, assets, and equipment from any unlawful seizure, assault, or unauthorized use. The intelligence director was also instructed to pursue legal action against any violators, maintain tight coordination with other state institutions as well as regional and international partners, and preserve the ultimate unity, discipline, and independence of the institution. Finally, Saleh requested that al-Aib submit regular periodic reports to the parliamentary leadership regarding operational progress, legal procedures, and any exceptional national security developments or obstacles that might hinder the agency’s mission.
Throughout the week, PC Deputy Musa al-Koni – who rejected the PC’s decision and therefore argues it is invalid due to lack of unanimity – has been rallying support against the decision to remove al-Aib. He met with Zawiyyan notables and elders and with representatives of Souq al-Jumaa, all of whom indicated the importance of maintaining unity of sovereign institutions and rejecting any attempts to divide them.