Political crisis in Libya: The Central Bank suspends operations due to instability.

The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) has decided to suspend its operations amid a growing political crisis that has highlighted tensions among various factions of the government. This decision, announced last weekend, follows a failed attempt to storm the bank's headquarters, leading to a climate of instability and distrust in the country's financial system. Sadiq Kabir, the governor of the CBL, has refused to step down, arguing that the appointment of his successor is "invalid." Kabir has reported to the Attorney General that a "committee from the Presidential Council" attempted to carry out an illegal action against the bank's headquarters, which constitutes a serious attack on the institutional integrity of the entity he leads. In response to this tense situation, Saray Bank for Trade and Investments has confirmed that it will cease the financial services provided by the CBL, which includes the purchase of foreign currency and the execution of local and international transfers through the Swift platform. The crisis is not only affecting the Central Bank, as several commercial banks have followed the CBL's lead and suspended their services, leaving thousands of citizens and businesses in a precarious situation without access to essential banking services. This financial instability has begun to impact the Libyan economy, which is already in a delicate state due to political fragmentation and armed conflicts that have marked the country's recent history. The conflict intensified following the Presidential Council of Libya's decision to replace Kabir with Mohamed Shukri, who has made it clear that he will not accept the position without an agreement between the High Council of State and the Parliament. This refusal has generated even more uncertainty in a country where political agreements are difficult to reach and are often hindered by a lack of trust among institutions. Reactions to these events have been swift. Both the High Council of State and the Parliament have condemned the attempted storming of the CBL's headquarters and have called for an urgent investigation by the Attorney General into what they term a "break-in." This call to action reflects serious concern over the deterioration of public order and the threat it poses to governance in the country. Tension in Tripoli has led to mobilizations of armed forces, exacerbating an already tense atmosphere due to the struggle for control of the government and its institutions. In light of this situation, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdelhamid Dbeiba, has announced the formation of a committee to take charge of the capital's security. This measure aims to restore order and prevent the use of force by armed groups that have proliferated in the city. Control of maritime, aerial, and land crossings, as well as public institutions in Tripoli, has been assumed by the Ministry of Interior in an attempt to stabilize the situation and ensure the safety of citizens. However, the effectiveness of these measures is questioned by many, given Libya's history of instability in recent years. Kabir, for his part, has called on Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi to protect the CBL's headquarters and prevent attempts to storm it by members of the Presidential Council. This situation highlights not only the fragility of Libyan institutions but also the power struggle among different political and military factions. As the crisis unfolds, the future of the Central Bank of Libya and the country's financial stability hang by a thread. The international community watches with concern, as the lack of a sustainable political agreement could lead to a financial collapse that further exacerbates Libya's already precarious economic and social situation. The need for constructive dialogue and political agreements is more urgent than ever in this nation seeking a path toward stability and peace.