Slouq – February 9, 2026 – On Sunday evening, Jamila Salem Rahil Al-Lawati took the legal oath as the mayor of Slouq Municipality, becoming the second woman to hold the position of mayor in Libya.
The election ceremony and the taking of the legal oath took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Local Government of the government tasked by the House of Representatives, in the presence of the Minister of Local Government and the Undersecretary of the Ministry, following the completion of the approved legal procedures.
With her election to this position, Jamila Salem Rahil joins Al-Za’ira Al-Faitouri Al-Maqtouf, who was elected mayor of Zliten Municipality in 2024, in a step that reflects the growing participation of women in local leadership positions.
The Ministry of Local Government of the government tasked by the House of Representatives confirmed that this step comes within the framework of consolidating the principles of local governance and ensuring the stability of municipal operations, which contributes to improving the level of services provided to citizens and meeting their needs.
Slouq
Slouq is a traditional open-air market located in the Old City of Damascus, Syria, known for its vibrant trade in textiles, spices, and handicrafts. It has historically been a central hub of commerce and social life for centuries, reflecting the city’s long-standing role as a key trading point along the Silk Road.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. The country is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the ruins of Leptis Magna, which testify to its significant historical legacy.
Ministry of Local Government
The Ministry of Local Government is a central government department responsible for overseeing regional administration, local authorities, and municipal services. Its history is typically tied to the development of modern state governance, often established to decentralize power and improve public service delivery following a nation’s independence or major administrative reform.
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, established by the Constitution in 1789. It is composed of representatives elected from congressional districts, with representation based on state population.
Zliten Municipality
Zliten Municipality is a coastal district in northwestern Libya, historically significant as part of the ancient Roman region of Tripolitania. It is notably home to the Zliten Mosaic, a renowned Roman floor mosaic from the 2nd century AD discovered in a villa, and contains the mausoleum of Sidi Abd As-Salam Al-Asmar, a 15th-century Islamic scholar.
