Libya’s oil blockade lifted 24 hours after Sanalla’s removal

Libya’s oil blockade imposed by Khalifa Hafter on the eastern oilfields was miraculously lifted yesterday 24 hours after Mustafa Sanalla was replaced by Farhat Bengdara as chairman of the National Oil Corporation (NOC).

The lifting of the blockade was announced in a statement in Benghazi by the so-called wise men and notables of the eastern Oil Crescent in the presence of Bengdara.

In the statement, the leader of the notables claimed that Sanalla had failed to meet their demands for improvements, but that new chairman Bengdara had agreed to their demands, including the just distribution of oil revenues amongst Libya’s three historical regions and various sector and local grievances such as late salaries, training and pay rises. As a result, they announced that the oil blockade had been ended.

Bengdara then made a statement of his own in which he immediately announced that the NOC had lifted its force majeure on oilfields and ports and was to resume oil production and exports.

Bengdara installed into NOC Tripoli headquarters as new chairman (libyaherald.com)

As Sanalla refuses to give up his post: NOC Tripoli headquarters surrounded by pro Aldabaiba forces (libyaherald.com)

Defiant Sanalla refuses to handover NOC chairmanship (libyaherald.com)

NOC lifts force majeure at Brega and Zueitina oil ports (libyaherald.com)

NOC chairman Mustafa Sanalla and board of directors sacked by Aldabaiba – Bengdara appointed (libyaherald.com)

Aldabaiba agrees to replace Sanalla as head of NOC: News and analysis (libyaherald.com)

NOC chairman Sanalla suspended from his post and referred for investigation by Oil Minister – his replacement declines the temporary post (libyaherald.com)

Sanalla hits back at Oil Minister Aoun – Aldabaiba to decide their fate in Sunday meeting (libyaherald.com)

Aldabaiba’s Aoun-Sanalla crisis summit: Kiss and make up or slap on the wrist? (libyaherald.com)

Oil Minister Aoun suspends NOC Chairman Sanalla from his post and refers him for investigation for a second time (libyaherald.com)

Ministry of Oil says NOC board will be reformed and Sanalla still suspended – will Sanalla survive Aldabaiba’s planned reshuffle? (libyaherald.com)

NOC welcomes Aldabaiba’s reversal of Oil Minister’s decision to suspend chairman Sanalla (libyaherald.com)