Mohammed Shukri, appointed as Libya’s Central Bank Governor in 2018, has stated that he will only assume the position if there is a consensus between the House of Representatives (HoR) and the High Council of State (HCS).
His comments come as political disagreements between the two legislative bodies continue to stall his appointment.
Shukri, appointed by the HoR under Resolution No. 3 of 2018, has yet to formally take on the role due to ongoing tensions and political manoeuvring between Libya’s legislative entities.
In a recent Facebook post, Shukri noted that since his appointment, there has been continuous political wrangling, with both bodies unable to agree on his role despite his having taken the legal oath.
Shukri explained that he has distanced himself from efforts to assume the position in ways that conflict with his principles, citing the importance of maintaining the Central Bank’s integrity and global reputation.
He warned that political instability could jeopardize Libya’s financial freedom in managing foreign assets, which is crucial for improving living conditions and achieving sustainable development.
He further emphasized his readiness to address pressing economic issues, including exchange rate volatility, liquidity shortages, and inflation, while enhancing the banking sector’s performance. However, he stressed that these efforts must be conducted in accordance with existing laws and agreements.
Shukri’s statement comes as the Presidential Council (PC) recently attempted to appoint a new Central Bank Governor and board of directors—a move that was swiftly rejected by both the HoR and the HCS, who argue that the PC lacks the authority to make such appointments.
