The leader of the Eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar declared over the weekend that his forces would let oil production resume after an eight-month blockade.
“(I announce) the resumption of production and export of oil with all requirements and necessary procedures to guarantee a fair distribution of oil revenues and to make sure they are not used to support terrorism or are put at risk of theft,” said Gen. Haftar, adding that, “These are guarantees to resume production and exports. We are keen to do this with the aim of improving the living conditions of our citizens.”
Haftar’s decision comes after a senior rival politician in the Western-based Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli announced that a committee would be formed to ensure fair distribution of revenues.
The blockade by eastern forces has cost Libya $9 billion in lost revenue so far this year. The blockade, which was initially imposed over allegations of deep-rooted corruption in Tripoli, has become a big obstacle to new efforts to seek a path forward for peace – after Haftar‘s assault on Tripoli collapsed in June.