Libya Oil Minister challenges dismissal​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Government of National Unity’s Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, has issued a directive to the Energy Council, Ministry of Oil, and National Oil Corporation announcing the dismissal of Oil Minister Mohammed Aoun.

In an open letter to the Libyan public, Aoun has challenged the legitimacy of his dismissal. He notes that whilst the decision was dated 6 June 2024, it was not circulated until 21 November.

According to Aoun, the Tripoli Court of Appeal has previously issued two rulings invalidating the appointment of the Ministry’s Undersecretary to oversee ministerial duties.

Aoun has accused the Prime Minister of disregarding court decisions, characterising his dismissal as “an abuse of power driven by personal vendetta”. He maintains that his record shows consistent adherence to principles of integrity and transparency.

In his defence, Aoun emphasised that he had not sought the ministerial position and that his resistance to the dismissal stems from a commitment to safeguard national interests and resources.

The dispute has a complex background. In March, the Administrative Control Authority temporarily suspended Aoun pending an investigation, prompting Prime Minister Dbeibah to appoint Undersecretary Khalifa Abdul Sadiq as acting minister.

Although the Authority lifted the suspension in May, and Aoun briefly resumed his duties, Prime Minister Dbeibah subsequently informed OPEC that Abdul Sadiq would continue serving as Oil Minister.

Aoun has indicated he will pursue legal channels to contest his dismissal, calling upon legislative and executive bodies to uphold the court rulings that challenge the validity of his removal from office.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​