Suhail Abu Shiha assumes duties as Libya's new Minister of Economy and Trade

Suhail Abu Shiha, the new Minister of Economy and Trade based in Tripoli and former Deputy Minister, officially assumed his duties on April 5, 2026, after a nearly month-long delay. The handover process from his predecessor, Mohamed Hwej, was completed by a committee appointed by the Cabinet Office. The Tripoli government stated that the ceremony followed established administrative procedures, ensuring continuity of institutional performance. Abu Shiha's appointment is part of ministerial changes announced in March by Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba, aimed at enhancing government efficiency. Media speculation arose due to the delay, with some suggesting opposition from Hwej or his local militia. There is also a view that Aldabaiba lacks the authority to appoint new ministers, as this power is considered to be vested in parliament, leading the Tripoli government to refer to ministers as Acting Ministers. Critics believed Hwej's removal was overdue, citing a lack of innovative policies and an inability to solve Libya's economic problems due to his Qaddafi-era outlook.