After a delay of nearly a month, the new Tripoli based Minister of Economy and Trade (and former Deputy Minister), Suhail Abu Shiha, officially assumed his duties today following the completion of the handover process, from his predecessor and veteran of the Qaddafi era, Mohamed Hwej. The handover was conducted by a committee appointed by the Cabinet Office.
The Tripoli government said the handover ceremony was conducted according to established administrative procedures, in the presence of the relevant committee. Responsibilities and files related to the ministry’s work were officially transferred, ensuring the continuity of institutional performance and uninterrupted operations.
Abu Shiha’s assumption of his duties comes as part of a series of ministerial changes announced in March by Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba, a move the government says is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of government institutions and supporting the stability of administrative performance.
There was much media consternation and speculation in Libya when Hwej failed to hand over to Abushiha in March. There was speculation that there was opposition from Hwej, his tribal lands or his local militia warlord to his removal. There is also the view that Aldabaiba does not have the authority to appoint new ministers since such a power is deemed to be invested in parliament – the House of Representatives. This is why the Tripoli government refers to ministers officially as Acting Ministers.
The Tripoli government gave no explanation for the delayed hand over.
Time for Hwej to move on?
Critics believe that it was well overdue that the veteran, and now elderly, Hwej was removed as he was considered to lack and innovative policies or effective implementation to solve Libya’s numerous economic problems. It is perceived that he was too set in his old Qaddafi-era outlook to be able to offer change in today’s Libya.
Moreover, he had developed a bad habit of issuing knee-jerk decrees – only to reverse them a few days or weeks later. Ultimately, he failed to solve any of Libya’s serious and persistent economic issues.
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