Rhiannon Smith, Managing Director of Libya-Analysis, spoke to Voice of America's Africa News Tonight segment about how to stop using Libyan oil shutdowns as a political weapon. Rhiannon explained how shutdowns in effect since mid April and additional protests over the last couple of weeks have created substantial challenges in Libya, which is reliant on oil for economic stability. Rhiannon said there are some efforts being made to depoliticise Libyan oil, such as a US-promoted mechanism to control oil revenue and unlink it from either government, although this has not gained traction and is unlikely to be agreed to by all parties in Libya. Rhiannon stressed that we have seen more division between East and West in Libya, and that without strong international pressure, it is unlikely that Libyan actors will stop using oil as a political weapon. Lastly, as reports have emerged insinuating the Wagner Group are responsible for recent shutdowns, Rhiannon emphasised that while there are Wagner operatives in Libya there is not clear evidence showing their direct involvement in the current shutdowns. Rhiannon said it is in Russian interest for Libyan gas and oil to be off the market, but the current blockades are being led by Libyan actors and a response to their frustrations - Russia is happy to be along for the ride, but they are not driving.
Listen to Rhiannon's segment here, starting at 14:30.