BENGHAZI, Libya – Libyan rebels on Monday dissolved their executive committee, or cabinet, after procedural errors in the handling of the unexplained shooting dead 12 days ago of their military chief.
The 14-member executive committee, including officials responsible for defense and interior affairs, was sacked and a new one will be nominated by Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril, National Transitional Council (NTC) media director Shamsiddin Abdulmolah said.
Rebel commander Abdel Fattah Younes was killed on 28 July after being taken into custody by his own side for questioning, throwing into question the unity of the NTC, just as it was winning broader international recognition.
Opposition leaders have linked his killing to elements loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi.
"They've all been dismissed," Abdulmolah told Reuters. "There were administrative errors that they were held responsible for."
The killing of Younes, a former interior mister under Qadhafi who defected to the rebels soon after Libya's uprising began in February, rocked the rebel movement and raised fears of fighting among opposition factions.
Supporters of Younes, including leaders of his large tribe, have demanded a full and transparent investigation, amid talk that rivals in the opposition camp may have been responsible.
The NTC, under the leadership of Mustafa Abdel Jalil and recognized by about 30 countries, is not affected by the dismissal of the executive and some of its members could be brought back when a new committee is formed, Abdulmolah said.
"It's part of the maturing of the revolution, holding people responsible," he added. "It's healthy. The NTC is still the highest authority."
The killing of Younes deepened concern among the rebels' Western backers, including the United States, who are keen to see them prevail in a nearly six month old civil war but are frustrated by their lack of unity and nervous about the influence of Islamists.
"Given the shortcomings in the performance of some members of the executive committee with regard to this crisis and this incident, the Council has decided to form a new committee," rebel spokesman Abdel-Hafiz Ghoga told Al Jazeera television.
Younes was part of the group involved in the 1969 coup that brought Qadhafi to power. He occupied senior positions at Qadhafi's side, and was interior minister before he defected.
