Benghazi – Libyan journalist and public affairs analyst Khaled Al-Sakran has warned that the current financial crisis could force the resignation of Central Bank Governor Naji Issa if decisive steps are not taken to reform the financial system and support the bank’s independence.
Al-Sakran emphasized that the Central Bank must operate with full professionalism and autonomy, in tandem with a unified government that manages public expenditure according to clear budgets and plans. This, he stated, is essential to ensure market stability and protect citizens from the worsening economic situation.
He highlighted a sharp contradiction in the country’s financial landscape. While the recent policy forcing traders to deposit funds in banks under their names has temporarily stabilized liquidity in Tripoli, a severe crisis continues in other major cities, including Benghazi, Al-Bayda, Derna, and Sirte.
The analyst identified deep-rooted structural issues plaguing the economy. He pointed to the proliferation of “usury shops” over the years and the influence of corrupt capital within the banking sector, which has directly harmed the national economy. Al-Sakran stressed the urgent need for transparency in distributing liquidity and for holding negligent bank managers and employees accountable.
Further compounding the crisis, Al-Sakran warned of the dangerous influence of the black market, which undermines state institutions, the armed forces, and national security. He revealed that Libyan capital is being smuggled abroad to countries like Turkey and the UAE, and that traders in the parallel hard currency market are reaping profits exceeding 20% at the direct expense of both the state and ordinary citizens, who face a critical liquidity shortage.
In statements to Libya Al-Hadath TV, monitored by Al-Mansaa, Al-Sakran concluded with a grave forecast. He asserted that the ongoing economic crisis threatens to severely impact salaries, public services, and national projects. If the situation remains unchanged, he cautioned, citizens may be forced to sell their personal assets merely to cover basic living needs.
