Libya's Power Struggle: Central Bank Control Crisis

Libya's ongoing conflict over the control of its Central Bank threatens the country's oil exports and exacerbates divisions. Key institutions like the House of Representatives and the Government of National Unity are embroiled in legitimacy disputes, furthering the east-west divide. International diplomacy focuses on maintaining the independence of these critical bodies.

Libya is facing another crisis, this time over the control of its Central Bank, which poses a threat to the country's crucial oil exports. The legitimacy of key state institutions is again under scrutiny, exacerbating years of political instability and division.

The House of Representatives, elected in 2014, has had its legitimacy questioned repeatedly. Despite international recognition granted in 2015, it remains in the eastern city of Tobruk, supporting a parallel government. Its critics say its mandate has expired, while the House's Speaker, Aguila Saleh, has been accused of manipulating parliamentary rules, a charge he denies.

In another layer of complexity, the High State Council, formed as per the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement, also faces legitimacy issues. Its leadership was recently contested, showing internal conflicts. The U.N.-backed 2020 agreement, which aimed to pave the way for elections with a Government of National Unity, has also faltered due to disputes over election rules, deepening Libya's east-west divide.

(With inputs from agencies.)