Libya's Central Bank Governor Ousted Amid Political Turmoil

Libya's presidential council has dismissed central bank governor Sadiq al-Kabir, appointing Mohamed Abdul Salam al-Shukri as his successor. The move deepens the political divide in the country, which is split between rival governments in Tripoli and Benghazi. The central bank plays a crucial role in managing Libya's oil revenue and foreign reserves.

Libya's presidential council has dismissed the influential central bank governor Sadiq al-Kabir in a sudden move that is expected to intensify tensions in the already fragmented North African nation.

The council, which holds ceremonial power, appointed Mohamed Abdul Salam al-Shukri as the new central bank governor through a decree issued late Sunday. Al-Shukri, an economist and former deputy governor, replaces al-Kabir, who has held the position since October 2011, following the fall of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

The decision has faced backlash from both the east-based parliament and the Supreme Council of State, which described the firing as illegitimate. Libya remains split between a UN-backed government in Tripoli and rival authorities in the east, each supported by armed groups and foreign powers.

(With inputs from agencies.)