The Government of National Unity (GNU) announced on Thursday a strategic collaboration with Brega Company to enhance fuel supply to the Sabha depot in a move to address the escalating calls for better access to fuel and its derivatives in the region.
The development surfaced from a key meeting led by Badr al-Din al-Toumi, the Minister of Local Governance, which convened mayors of southern municipalities. The primary agenda was assessing the situation in Ubari following the shutdown of the Sharara oil field by protesters.
According to the ministry's media office, the meeting centred on the underlying reasons for the protests that led to the closure of the oil field - a critical contributor to national revenue.
Al-Toumi affirmed a boost in the fuel supply heading to Sabha, emphasizing the critical role of constructive dialogue in finding solutions that harmonize the protesters' demands with the public interest and ensure uninterrupted oil production.
He further reiterated the government's commitment to thoroughly reviewing the protesters' requests, with plans to implement measures aimed at fostering sustainable development and ensuring the provision of essential services to the region's residents.
The meeting, which saw attendance from the mayors of Sabha, Murzuq, Qatrun, Wadi Atba, Bint Bayyah, and Ubari, concluded with a consensus on the need for further coordination. A comprehensive meeting involving the Prime Minister, relevant ministries, and authorities is scheduled to oversee ongoing and prospective projects in the south.
In a related development, on Tuesday, Fezzan protesters announced the closure of the Sharara field, citing the expiration of a deadline set for the authorities to address their demands.
The demands, rooted in service inadequacies and fuel and gas shortages, place the National Oil Corporation and the government squarely at the helm of responsibility should their grievances remain unaddressed.
Key among the protesters' demands are the provision of fuel and its derivatives in Fezzan, the activation of a refinery project in the south, road infrastructure improvements, employment opportunities for local graduates, restructuring of the Fezzan Reconstruction Fund, and the revocation of an agreement between the Ministry of Health and the NOC concerning Ubari General Hospital. They also urged the NOC to establish a dedicated hospital for Fezzan.
