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 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. There was much media consternation and speculation in Libya when Hwej failed to hand over to Abushiha in March. This is why the Tripoli government refers to ministers officially as Acting Ministers.

Source: Libya Today April 05, 2026 17:14 UTC