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The State Department of the United States (US) said in a statement on Saturday that after more than a week of confusion over the leadership of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL), Libyan actors should take steps to maintain the credibility of the CBL and find a solution that would not further damage its reputation and engagement with the international financial system.

The statement adds that uncertainty created by recent unilateral actions has led the US and international banks to reassess their relationships with the CBL and, in some cases, pause financial transactions until there is more clarity on the legitimate governance of the CBL. 

“We are concerned that further disruptions with international correspondent banks could damage the Libyan economy and well-being of Libyan households.” The statement explains.

The statement reiterated the call of the UN Security Council on August 28 for Libyan actors to urgently work together and with the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to find a political solution that restores competent and credible leadership of the CBL, ensures transparency of and accountability for CBL assets, and enables the CBL to fulfill its mandate to support the economic livelihood of all Libyans.

The Head of the Presidential Council Mohammed Menfi previously issued a decision to appoint Mohammed Al-Shukri as Governor of the Central Bank and to form a new Board of Directors, based on the decision of the House of Representatives in 2018 to appoint Al-Shukri and end the term of Al-Siddiq Al-Kabir.