2 days ago
Libya's army leadership becomes a Haftar dynasty
BY Libyan Express Aug 19, 2025 - 07:34 Updated: Aug 19, 2025 - 07:35 From commander to father figure: Haftar hands power to his sons
Egyptian writer and journalist Khaled Mahmoued revealed in a post on his X account that Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), has made a surprise move by appointing his son, Khalid Haftar, as Chief of Staff of the Army.
The decision comes as Lieutenant General Abdulrazek al-Nadoori was reassigned to the post of National Security Advisor.
According to Mahmoued, the House of Representatives in Benghazi ratified the decision during its session yesterday, cementing the rise of Haftar's sons within the military hierarchy.
Khalid now occupies the role of Chief of Staff, while his brother, Saddam Haftar, had earlier been appointed Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the LNA.
The reshuffle has stirred wide debate in Libya. Critics see it as an early attempt to entrench hereditary succession of power within the institution, while supporters argue it is a pragmatic step necessitated by the challenges of the current phase. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express.
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