Libyan city Zueitina announce suspension of oil production and exports until Dabaiba hands power over to Bashagha
A statement issued by those who described themselves as ‘Elders of Southern Libya’ announced the complete suspension of oil production and export from the fields in the region, as of Saturday, April 16, 2022, until the exit of the Government of National Unity headed by Abdulhamid Dabaiba from Tripoli and handing over power to the Fathi Bashaga’s government as mandated by the House of Representatives.
The statement demanded to the fair distribution of oil resources equally among all Libyan regions and support for competent authorities to reach the upcoming elections, away from the executive government’s greed for power.
They also called for the dismissal of National Oil Corporation chairman Mustafa Sanalla.
The demands also included the support of the security services to maintain security and free movement between Libyan cities, to stop “negative and blatant foreign interference” in Libyan internal affairs, and to demand the international community and ambassadors “to respect the sovereignty of the state and its institutions and to be a catalyst for stability.”
A similar announcement was issued by a group described as the ‘People, Elders and Residents of the Zueitina Municipality’ .
On Saturday, eastern representatives in the 5 + 5 Joint Military Commission announced the suspension of all their work in the commission until their demands were considered.
They accused that the Government of National Unity headed by Abdulhamid Dabaiba of taking a number of measures to impede the completion of the terms of the ceasefire agreement signed in October 2020.
In a statement, they demanded a halt in the export of oil, the closure of the coastal road linking the east and west of the country and to stop all aspects of cooperation with the Government of National Unity.
The statement also spoke of “Dabaiba’s responsibility for not appointing a Minister of Defense and keeping the portfolio for personal purposes and gains. As well as halting the distribution of the salaries to the Libyan Arab Armed Forces more than once, including the last four months.”
They indicated their rejection of “Dabaiba’s failure to comply with decisions issued by the House of Representatives and his refusal to hand over power to the Government National of Stability.” Adding that Dabaiba “reneged on his pledge regarding his candidacy for the elections and obstructed their completion with flimsy pretexts.”
