In a dramatic escalation of unrest, residents of Zintan, Libya, took action on Tuesday by shutting down vital oil distribution valves in protest against the abduction of Brigadier General Mustafa al-Whayshi, the head of the Central Security Department. Al-Whayshi was taken hostage last Wednesday, and his captors have yet to be identified. Local leaders in Zintan have openly blamed the Dbeibah government and the Presidential Council for what they view as a politically motivated act.
The protest gained momentum as armed vehicles flooded the streets of Zintan, with additional demonstrators joining those who had already blocked the key oil valves connecting the Sharara and El Feel oil fields to the Zawiya refinery. This refinery is a major component of Libya’s oil industry, processing approximately 350,000 barrels of oil each day, which accounts for nearly one-third of the country’s total oil production. The shutdown has raised significant concerns over the economic impact of the blockade on the country’s already fragile oil sector.
Protesters, many of whom have blocked roads and set tires ablaze, are demanding the immediate release of General al-Whayshi. They have warned that if their demands are not met, they will escalate their actions further. The move has drawn strong reactions from Libya’s intelligence community, who have condemned the kidnapping. They suggest that it is part of a wider effort to impede national security investigations, particularly those focused on militias and widespread corruption within the country.
The practice of kidnapping prominent figures, including civil servants and judges, has increasingly become a troubling strategy in Libya. It is frequently used as a means of silencing individuals involved in efforts to address corruption and curb militia influence. The situation in Zintan highlights the ongoing instability in Libya, as the country grapples with deep political divisions and security challenges that continue to undermine its recovery and reconstruction efforts.
