Africa Intelligence website said the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Tobruk Aqila Saleh attempted to "turn" the head of the Presidential Council, Mohammed Menfi, during a 15 June meeting, saying that as soon as the official reason for their encounter - constitutional reform - had been discussed, he tried to convince Menfi to join the Fathi Bashagha's coalition in exchange for renewing his term at the Council.

The website said Menfi represents the Cyrenaica region in the Council and was seen for a long time as an ally of “Libyan National Army (LNA) head and pillar of the pro-Bashagha coalition Khalifa Haftar”.

“He has spoken out in opposition of Dabaiba on many different matters and gave his support on condition his deputy, Tripolitania representative Abdullah al-Lafi, also join the coalition. The latter is reportedly discreetly negotiating his own support to Bashagha in exchange for two positions within his government.” The website added.

It indicated that to make room for these new allies, Bashagha may therefore have to reorganise his government, saying that both Saleh and Haftar have already approved this.

“Haftar’s inner circle, namely his sons Belkacem Haftar and Saddam Haftar, were very involved in forming Bashagha's first executive in March, insisting several people be part of it, such as Minister of Foreign Affairs Hafedh Gaddour.” It added.