New governor of Central Bank of Libya, his deputy sworn in at HoR in Benghazi

The newly appointed Governor of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL), Naji Belgassim, and his Deputy, Marie Al-Barasi, were officially sworn in during a House of Representatives (HoR) session in Benghazi on October 1. During the session, HoR First Deputy Speaker Fawzi Al-Nuwairi stressed the need to keep the CBL free from political interference and focused on its technical duties.

On Monday, the HoR unanimously approved an agreement with the High Council of State concerning the CBL’s leadership, confirming Belgassim and Al-Barasi in their new roles. Belgassim previously served as the Director of Banking and Monetary Control at the CBL, while Al-Barasi was appointed Deputy Governor in 2023. Both were selected following U.N.-facilitated discussions.

Second Deputy Speaker Musbah Doma announced that all 108 attendees at the session unanimously approved the appointments via a show of hands. He also confirmed that the CBL’s board of directors will be established within 10 days.

The approval and swearing-in of the new CBL leadership could help resolve the political deadlock over control of the bank and oil revenues, which has significantly reduced Libya’s oil production and exports.