Libya’s PM is dismissed in vote of no confidence

Libya’s national congress has dismissed the newly elected prime minister in a vote of no confidence which underscored the difficulties of forming a government which can unite the country’s factions and regions.

The vote, late on Sunday, came minutes after prime minister Mustafa Abushagur named ten new ministers – his second attempt to form a government – after he was forced to withdraw his previous cabinet choices in the face of protests which claimed that it was not representative of the country.

The national congress must now choose a new prime minister, who will have to then try to form a viable government as Libya seeks to emerge from the civil war that toppled Muammar al-Gaddafi last year.

Mr Abushagur was elected by the national congress on 12 September.