Libya’s central bank (CBL) has resumed normal operations following the release of Musaab Muslamm, the head of its information technology department, who was kidnapped from his home last Sunday.
The bank had suspended all activities in response to the abduction by an “unidentified party,” which also threatened other employees with similar fates. In a statement on Monday, the CBL confirmed that Mr. Muslamm is now “safe” and operations have returned to normal.
The incident underscores the mounting security challenges facing the CBL, which plays a critical role as the sole internationally recognized depository for Libya’s oil revenues.
This crisis follows a recent siege by armed men seeking to pressure the resignation of bank governor Seddik al-Kabir, who has faced growing criticism over his management of oil resources and the state budget. The central bank remains a key battleground in Libya’s ongoing political turmoil.
The bank’s leadership, including Mr. Kabir, discussed the escalating threats to the institution with British ambassador to Libya Martin Longden on Monday.
The situation reflects broader instability in Libya, which remains divided between rival governments in Tripoli and Benghazi and is grappling with chronic insecurity since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
