The head of the Libyan Administrative Control Authority (ACA) has issued a decision to lift the suspension on the Minister of Oil and Gas in the Government of National Unity (GNU), Mohamed Aoun.
Decision No. (347) for the year 2024 lifts suspension on Aoun based on a memorandum from the Director of the General Investigation Department dated May 12, 2024, according to a decision seen by “Libya Review.”
On March 25th, the ACA issued Decision No. 347 for the year 2024 to suspend Aoun from work “for reasons and requirements of the investigation,” without specifying in the suspension and lifting decisions the nature of the investigation to which the Minister of Oil and Gas was subjected.
In the suspension decision, the head of the Administrative Control Authority indicated that the minister’s suspension at the time was “for reasons and requirements of the public interest.”
Earlier, Aoun denied reports alleging that he is under house arrest in Tripoli by armed militias loyal to Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbaiba.
Aoun confirmed in a telephone interview with “Asharq Al-Awsat” that he is at his home in Tripoli and not subjected to any security surveillance or harassment. He mentioned that his statements were taken during an investigation conducted by a member of the Administrative Control Authority.
Aoun clarified that his suspension crisis would soon come to an end, but he did not specify an official date.
Last month, Dbaiba assigned Khalifa Abdulsadek, the Deputy Minister of Oil, to carry out the ministry’s duties after the Administrative Control Authority announced the suspension of Aoun. This was due to accusations of “violations” resulting in the infringement of Libya’s rights through the concession of oil privileges to foreign companies.
Notably, Abdulsadek announced that the Italian company Eni has been granted rights for oil and gas development and extraction in the Hammada field.
In an Interview CNBC Arabia, the newly assigned minister said Eni will lead a consortium of companies in developing the field, pending approval from the National Oil Corporation and the Supreme Council of Energy.
Abdulsadek added that the confirmed gas reserves in the Hammadah field are estimated at around 22 trillion cubic feet, with minimal oil reserves currently. He expressed optimism that gas reserves would increase soon.
He noted that current oil production exceeds 1.2 million barrels per day, expected to reach 1.4 million by year-end and 2 million within three years. Oil represents nearly 95% of Libya’s income source.
“Plans for a public bidding round are set for the last quarter of this year, marking a significant investment opportunity in Libya’s oil sector, unprecedented in over 15 years,” he said. The minister highlighted invitations to global companies like UAE’S ADNOC, Saudi Arabia’s ARAMCO, and Algeria’s SONATRACH, encouraging investment in Libya’s oil and gas sector.
He praised the Libyan government and army for securing fields and aiding strategic partners to continue operations in Libya.
