The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) has issued a series of terse statements on its website regarding the recent turmoil at its headquarters amid a crisis over the handover of the governorship position.
The Central Bank warned that the raid on its main headquarters on Al-Shat Road in Tripoli, now in its second day, aimed at enforcing an unlawful decision by the Presidential Council to change the bank’s management, jeopardizes its operations and prevents the execution of August salaries, letter of credit openings, and personal transfers.
The bank’s statement called on citizens across Libya to unite against these illegal actions, which negatively affect the nation’s overall state, impacting its political, economic, social, and financial stability.
Apologizing to its domestic and international clients, the bank announced a temporary suspension of services due to the extraordinary circumstances that currently prevent the continuation of its normal activities. The disruption is attributed to recent security developments at the headquarters.
A second statement highlighted the unauthorized halting of the bank’s email services and official domain by directives from the Presidential Council to the General Authority for Communications.
The bank also condemned the abduction of four of its staff members, Rasim Al-Najjar, Azeldin Al-Sherif, Salah Musa, and Khairy Soula, and noted the mysterious disappearance of Mohamed Al-Sahli when he was en route to deliver a letter from the governor to the acting Minister of Interior.
The bank stated that Abdel Fattah Abdel Ghaffar, who has assumed the role of deputy governor without legal basis and contrary to legislative authority and political agreements, is committing a legally punishable crime.
Employees have been advised to stay away from the Central Bank’s premises until further notice, and the bank has disclaimed any responsibility for consequences arising from these irresponsible actions, which are likely to directly impact the general state of the nation politically, economically, and financially.
