In a diplomatic twist, Libya has chosen to overlook Italy's proposed candidate to lead the European Union's mission in the country, opting instead for a French diplomat. Interim Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh's government in Tripoli has rejected Italy's candidate, Nicola Orlando, in favor of France's Patrick Simonnet. Nicola Orlando's rejection in July stemmed from concerns raised by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic arm. Orlando, who had previously served as Rome's deputy head of mission to Tripoli and special representative to Libya, was perceived as too closely associated with the country's intricate political landscape. In contrast, Patrick Simonnet, the French candidate, lacks prior experience in Libya.

Source: The North Africa Journal September 03, 2023 18:22 UTC