Libyan Central Bank Suspends Operations Following Kidnapping of IT Director

The Libyan Central Bank has halted all operations in response to the kidnapping of its IT director, Musab Msallem, in Tripoli. Msallem was abducted from his home by an unidentified individual on Sunday morning, and other employees have reported threats of kidnapping.

The Central Bank, the sole internationally recognised custodian of Libya’s oil revenues, will not resume operations until Msallem is released. The bank is a critical economic institution in Libya, which remains divided between rival governments in Tripoli and Benghazi.

This incident follows a recent siege of the Central Bank by gunmen, who reportedly sought to force the resignation of Governor Seddik al-Kabir. Kabir, in office since 2012, has faced criticism over his management of oil resources and the state budget.

Since the 2011 ousting of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has been plagued by instability and power struggles, with two competing governments currently in control.