Libya’s central bank resumes operations after kidnapped official is released

Libya's central bank has resumed operations following the release of Musab Msallem, its head of information technology, who was abducted by an unidentified group, according to AFP. Msallem was taken from his home on Sunday, prompting the bank to suspend all operations and demand an end to such unlawful practices. His abduction followed a recent siege of the bank's headquarters in Tripoli by armed men, reportedly aiming to force the resignation of Governor Seddik al-Kabir. Kabir, how took up the role in 2012, has faced criticism over his management of Libya's oil resources and state budget. U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland condemned attempts to oust Kabir by force, warning it could jeopardize Libya's access to international financial markets.

The incidents highlight the ongoing political instability in Libya, which remains divided between an internationally recognized government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east, backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar.