UN-backed Libyan gov't names new defense minister, chief of staff following protests

Fayez al-Serraj

TRIPOLI, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The UN-backed government of Libya on Saturday appointed a new defense minister and a new chief of staff.

Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj said on Monday that he would reshuffle the cabinet or appoint a crisis government, following protests in several cities in western Libya against the political, economic and security instability as well as lack of basic services.

Serraj also pledged to work on providing the basic services for the people, mainly electricity and water.

Libya has been suffering insecurity and political instability ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011.