The House of Representatives’ committees on Energy and Foreign Affairs have issued a warning against attempts by the outgoing Tripoli-based government to conclude long-term contracts involving Libya’s sovereign resources. In a joint statement, the committees rejected these moves as lacking a constitutional basis or a legislative mandate, particularly given the country’s current political volatility. They asserted that such actions pose a direct threat to the national economy and the rights of future generations.
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The statement detailed concerns that the Government of National Unity (GNU) is seeking to relinquish control over free economic zones and grant significant oil and gas concessions to foreign firms, specifically citing Qatari and Italian companies. The committees characterized these deals as opaque and tainted by corruption, suggesting they are being used as leverage in political bargaining. They maintained that agreements of such magnitude, which bind the state for decades, cannot be sanctioned in the absence of a popularly elected government with full legitimacy.
Legally, the committees argued that these measures clearly violate the Constitutional Declaration, notably the Seventh Amendment, which imposes strict limitations on commitments involving sovereign assets. Furthermore, the statement highlighted a breach of Resolution No. 44 of 2013, which explicitly prohibits any government from signing agreements related to the exploitation of strategic natural resources without express authorization from the legislature. Ignoring these legal frameworks, the committees noted, undermines the separation of powers and risks triggering prolonged legal and political disputes.
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The parliamentary committees also expressed regret over the behavior of certain foreign states, accusing them of exploiting Libya’s internal divisions to secure natural resources under unfavorable terms. They emphasized that the Libyan people would hold those responsible accountable for attempting to erode economic sovereignty during a period of institutional weakness. Reaffirming their firm stance, the committees declared that any disposal of sovereign resources without parliamentary approval is legally null and void and will not be binding for the Libyan state. The statement concluded with a call to the international community to respect Libya’s sovereignty and legislative decisions, urging the public to remain vigilant regarding the protection of national wealth.