On Sunday, the Libyan Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdelhamid Al-Dbaiba said that the long-standing Chairman of the state-run National Oil Corporation (NOC), Mustafa Sanallah, can remain in his post.
Al-Dbaiba’s decree has revoked an earlier decision by the country’s Oil and Gas Minister, Mohamed Aoun, who sought to suspend the NOC’s Chairman.
The announcement may also end a dispute between the NOC and Oil and Gas Ministry that risked causing a slump in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) member’s crude production.
Oil Minister, Mohamed Aoun, said in late August that Sanallah, who’s been in his role for seven years, was suspended for an alleged “violation” of rules regarding business travel.
The attempted ouster underscored the political tensions in a country that’s been mired in conflict and civil war for much of the past decade.
On Friday, the NOC announced the resumption of crude oil exports in both Sidra and Ras Lanuf ports, after stopping for one day. Oil exports were halted after a group of demonstrators protest inside the two ports.
Despite the delay in shipment, production was not reduced, the NOC explained.
“Since the February 2011 revolution, the NOC has been the faithful custodian of Libya’s oil wealth,” Sanallah said
“We will never accept the politicization of the corporation to use it as a bargaining chip by some politicians to achieve non-national interests and agendas,” Sanallah added.
Sanallah also demanded that the “hidden hands” behind these events will be held accountable, and that they be brought to justice.
However, Libyan Minister of Oil and Gas told Bloomberg that the decision to suspend the Sanallah was still valid. “An earlier decision to suspend the NOC’s Chief was still in effect and awaiting enforcement by authorities.”