A new Libyan government, headed by Prime Minister Ahmed Miitig, has taken office despite a refusal by former premier’s cabinet to relinquish power.
In a statement released on Monday, Miitig said his cabinet had held a meeting earlier in the day for the first time since his election in May.
Outgoing Premier Abdullah al-Thinni has reportedly declined to officially hand over the power to Miitig.
However, Miitig’s spokesman said the new premier had "no difficulties" in entering the parliamentary building.
"There was no opposition from the security services deployed in front of the building."
Miitig is Libya's fifth prime minister since the fall of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi in a 2011 revolution.
He is slated to head a transitional government until the legislative elections, due to be held on June 25. The new parliament will replace the General National Congress and form another cabinet.
Miitig and his cabinet took oath before the Libyan parliament’s speaker Nuri Abu Sahmain on May 26.
The parliament elected the 42-year-old businessman as the North African country’s new prime minister on May 5.
On May 25, Miitig’s cabinet also won the vote of confidence in the General National Congress.
Meanwhile, objection is made to the election of the new prime minister, especially from forces loyal to retired General Khalifa Haftar.
Nearly three years after the fall of Gaddafi, Libya is still grappling with rising insecurity as the country has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militia groups.
The former rebels refuse to lay down arms despite efforts by the central government to impose law and order.
Thousands of angry Libyan demonstrators have recently taken to the streets in different cities to protest against the lack of security across the country.
