The Libyan National Army’s (LNA) Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, has called for urgent action against the high levels of corruption in Libya.
He expressed concern about the increasing poverty in the country and the blatant looting of public funds. Haftar criticized the Central Bank of Libya for its mismanagement of over $10 billion on certain companies and the southern region, which produces oil, receiving only a small percentage of the funds.
Haftar emphasized the need for a high-level committee to address the country’s financial arrangements, and he demanded that the committee complete its work by the end of August.
He warned that if the committee fails to do so, the Libyan people will be forced to demand their legitimate rights from the country’s oil wealth.
Haftar also criticized some foreign ambassadors, particularly the United States Ambassador Richard Norland, for their interference in Libyan affairs, which has deepened the divisions among the Libyan people.
He called on these ambassadors to stop meddling in the country’s internal affairs and to respect the Libyan people’s wishes.
The Libyan National Army is prepared to carry out its duties, said Haftar, and the Libyan people will have the opportunity to express their will in the upcoming elections, even if it takes some time.
The call for action against corruption in Libya comes at a time when the country is facing political instability and economic challenges.
The Libyan people have been suffering from the effects of the ongoing conflict and the mismanagement of the country’s resources. The international community has been working to mediate peace and bring about political stability in Libya, including efforts to hold free and fair elections.
Libya has been in a state of ongoing political instability and conflict since the overthrow and death of its former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with different factions vying for control.