Libyan Presidential Council requests Dbeibah remove Taher Al-Baour from foreign affairs duties
via Business News1 min read
The Libyan Presidential Council has asked Abdelhamid Dbeibah, head of the Government of National Unity, to suspend Taher Al-Baour from all external representation missions for the state. The Council views Al-Baour's appointment to manage the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as "illegal," asserting that it oversteps administrative boundaries and infringes upon sovereign prerogatives. The Presidential Council emphasized that diplomatic practices only recognize officials with a legal basis conforming to current procedures as official state representatives. It also warned of potential confusion and disruption to official external communication channels if diplomatic missions are carried out without legally established competence. This dispute dates back to January 2024, when Dbeibah assigned Al-Baour to manage the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a decision previously contested by the Presidential Council. The Council cited provisions from the Libyan Political Dialogue, which mandate consultation with the Council for the appointment of defense and foreign affairs ministers. This latest disagreement highlights ongoing friction between the two branches of the Libyan executive regarding sovereignty, appointments, and the division of powers, amidst persistent institutional fragility.
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Salah Farzit, a significant figure in Tunisian popular music and mezoued, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the age of 73. Farzit had been admitted to a military hospital due to a health crisis. His career spanned over fifty years, during which he established a unique connection with his audience. Born on June 1, 1953, he emerged in the 1970s as a key artist in the evolution of Tunisian popular song. He was instrumental in transforming mezoued, a traditional musical genre, by infusing it with new artistic energy. At a time when mezoued was often marginalized in cultural institutions, Farzit contributed to its broader recognition. His powerful voice, sincere interpretations, and focus on daily realities made his songs a reflection of popular concerns and a platform for underrepresented stories. Beyond music, his work addressed social and human themes, advocating for dignity, freedom, and justice. His passing marks the loss of a cultural witness who gave voice to the emotions and realities of popular Tunisia, though his legacy endures through his songs.
Journalist Hichem Snoussi has been sentenced to six months in prison by the Tunis Court of First Instance. The case involves the publication of information concerning the ownership structure and identities of Nessma TV's owners. The complaint was filed several years ago by businessman Nabil Karoui, the founder of Nessma TV, during a period when Snoussi was a member of the Independent High Authority for Audiovisual Communication Haica. Snoussi stated that he was condemned in absentia without being informed of his trial. He has since filed an appeal against the judgment, leading to the case being postponed to a hearing scheduled for October. The published data regarding Nessma TV's capital composition and owners are considered information that should be publicly available, in line with transparency obligations for audiovisual media.
The National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists SNJT has raised concerns about increasing judicial pressure on journalists in Tunisia, following recent convictions. On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the SNJT reacted to the appeals court sentencing of journalists Hamza Belloumi and Insaf Boughdiri to one year in prison each, along with an 8,000 dinar fine. This decision comes amidst a rise in prosecutions targeting media professionals, prompting professional organizations to worry about press freedom. The SNJT expressed solidarity with Belloumi and Boughdiri, urging the Tunis Court of Appeal to reconsider its judgment. The syndicate also criticized the use of judgments rendered in absentia, arguing that they deny journalists their right to defense. The case against Belloumi and Boughdiri dates back to May 2015, involving a video clip attributed to former President Moncef Marzouki, broadcast on Al Hiwar Ettounsi. The clip, initially presented as inciting violence, was later found to be edited and taken out of context. Marzouki had filed a complaint with the High Independent Authority for Audiovisual Communication Haica, which led to the temporary suspension of the show, and also initiated legal proceedings. Belloumi and Boughdiri stated they believed the matter was closed and that they were unable to fully exercise their right to defense. They had issued a correction and public apologies at the time, considering it a professional error. The SNJT emphasized the need to handle press-rel