MISURATA — Mayor Mustafa Karwad died of the novel coronavirus on Monday.

"Mustafa Karwad Mayor of Misurata has passed away after a two-week-long battle against the coronavirus disease," the media advisor to the health ministry tweeted out on his account on Monday.

A three-day period of mourning will take place and flags will be lowered within the administrative boundaries of the city, a statement by the Municipal Council said.

"He was a nobleman who gave his heart and soul to his country," the Government of National Accord (GNA) said in a statement.

The United Nations support mission in Libya (UNSMIL) as well as the German ambassador tweeted their "deepest condolences" to his family and friends. "He was a dedicated person totally omitted to serving citizens and the nation, said the UNSMIL.

Karwad was named mayor of Misurata in December 2017, to succeed Muhammad Ishtewi, who was assassinated in the same month.

Meanwhile, the Municipality of Misurata said local elections would go ahead as planned this week "as per the wishes of the deceased and the wish of members of the municipal council, after a mourning period of three days." — Agencies