Libyan protesters shut down oil valves demanding release of kidnapped general

Protesters in Zintan, a town located approximately 85 miles southwest of Tripoli, disrupted operations at a major Libyan refinery on Tuesday by shutting down critical oil valves, according to Africa News. The demonstrators are calling for the immediate release of Brigadier General Mustafa al-Whayshi, who was reportedly kidnapped last Wednesday.

Al-Whayshi, the head of Libya's Central Security Department, was abducted in an incident that has sparked outrage among intelligence officials, who allege that corruption investigators are being systematically targeted and silenced. While the identity of the kidnappers remains unknown, Zintan’s local leaders have pointed fingers at the Tripoli-based Dbeibah government and the Presidential Council.

Libya remains deeply divided politically, with two rival administrations vying for control. The western regions, including the capital, are under the authority of the Dbeibah government, while Khalifa Haftar, a military leader, dominates the east, home to most of the country’s vital oil fields.

The protesters have reportedly blocked oil flow from the Sharara and El Feel fields to the Zawiya refinery. The refinery processes around 350,000 barrels of oil daily—roughly a third of Libya’s total production. Demonstrators warn of further escalation if al-Whayshi is not freed promptly.

This kidnapping marks another setback for Libya’s efforts to portray itself as a secure destination for global energy investments. The incident comes at a time when the country is striving to reassure international stakeholders of its stability and reliability as a key oil producer.