OPINION: Libya back in turmoil with oil exports again at the mercy of renegade forces

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) triumphantly said on 10 July that it was lifting force majeure on oil exports, heralding a new phase in a ruinous civil war that has ravaged the leading North African energy exporter.

It proved embarrassingly premature as the state player was forced to reimpose the blockade two days later in the face of opposition from renegade General Khalifa al Haftar.

It was a loud message to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) that Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) called the shots in the eastern oil-producing regions.

After ending Haftar’s 14-month siege of Tripoli in June, the GNA launched an offensive to regain the city of Sirte — the gateway to Libya’s key energy hubs — but the push has stalled.

The nine-year conflict has drawn in global powers, mercenaries and jihadists, all seeking to carve out a stake of potentially the richest state in North Africa.

Libya is split east to west between the two factions. The parliamentary speaker of the eastern-based faction — with forces commanded by Haftar — has urged Egyptian President Abdel Fatah el Sisi, to follow through on his threat to invade if the forces of the western-based GNA — also backed by Qatar and Italy — advance farther towards Sirte.

Haftar also enjoys support from the United Arab Emirates, which the NOC has accused of wrecking a deal with the rebels to start oil operations and exports.

If true, the UAE stance and that of Egypt highlight the need for wider peace negotiations to satisfy all parties including foreign powers such as Turkey, which hopes to cash in on post-war reconstruction efforts.

The US, which has helplessly watched brazen foreign intervention, appears now to be taking on a more proactive role.

The US denounced the renewed blockade of the oil exports, warning that “those who undermine Libya’s economy and cling to military escalation will face isolation and risk of sanctions”.

It is hoped the threat of US sanctions will encourage serious moves towards a peaceful way out of the seemingly unwinnable conflict.

By: Nassir Shirkhani