Libya’s dismissed Culture Minister Mabrouka Tougi said she will continue performing her duties and refused to hand over authority, insisting that any change must follow proper legal procedures by the competent authorities. In a statement, Tougi said the appointment of a replacement outside the formal ministerial amendment procedures undermines legitimacy and could create administrative and financial confusion within the ministry. Tougi added that her position as a woman from southern Libya represents a national responsibility rather than a personal gain. A video circulating online showed security personnel preventing Tougi from entering the Culture Ministry headquarters in Tripoli, saying they had instructions not to allow her in. On Monday, Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah issued a cabinet reshuffle appointing Salem Al-Alam as culture minister, a move rejected by Menfi, who said such changes require broad national consensus.

Source: Libya Observer March 07, 2026 18:24 UTC