Libya: LNA leader announces intention to lift oil blockade September 18

Event

The eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) leader Khalifa Haftar announced on Friday, September 18, that he would lift a long-running blockade on the country's oil exports for one month following a revenue-sharing agreement with the government in Tripoli. Ahmed Maiteeg, a member of the Government of National Accord's (GNA) presidential council confirmed that a deal to lift the eight-month blockade had been reached, but neither side provided details of the agreement or indicated when production would resume. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) also stated that it would not restart production at its sites and resume exports until security guarantees are in place and LNA forces withdraw from the facilities.

Further details regarding the resumption of oil export activities and associated security arrangements are likely to be announced in the coming days.  

Advice

Those in Libya are advised to monitor developments relating to the oil export agreement and should heed any directives issued by local authorities and their home governments.

The security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas (with appropriate security protocols in place), other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.