The Central Bank of Libya announced yesterday that all operations would be suspended due to the abduction of its information technology director.
According to foreign media outlets like BBC and AFP, the Central Bank stated on social media that Mousab Msallem was abducted by armed individuals in Tripoli that morning.
The bank noted that other employees are also at risk of kidnapping, and they will not resume operations until Msallem is released. Further, they condemned the kidnappers for threatening the safety of their employees and the continuity of bank operations.
This abduction occurred just a week after the Central Bank faced an attack from armed assailants who aimed to force the resignation of Central Bank Governor Seddik al-Kabir, according to AFP. Al-Kabir, who has held the position since 2012, has faced criticism over oil resource management and the national budget.
The Central Bank of Libya serves as the sole depository for oil revenues amid a power struggle between two rival governments.
Meanwhile, Richard Norland, the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, warned that forcibly replacing the Central Bank governor could limit Libya’s access to international financial markets.
