Libya: Protesters force closure of El Sharara oil field over local economics

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Posted On 8 January 2024

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The North Africa Journal – Protestors seeking social and economic development for the Fezzan region, located in the southwestern Libya, forced the shutdown of the Sharara oil field, in a protest movement aimed at getting government attention to the plight of the local population.

The protest is costing Libya more than $20 million a day in lost revenue, with the country unable to produce some 300,000 barrels of oil per day.

The protest, organized by impoverished and neglected Berber tribes, broke out on January 1, 2024, forcing a week later the National Oil Company (NOC) to close the site as talks with protest leaders are underway. Issues of concern to the local population include availability of petroleum products in local markets, infrastructure, poverty alleviation, etc.

Other Articles in this Week's Issue<< Sahel: Qatar helps dissipate diplomatic tensions between Mali and AlgeriaTunisia neutralizes human smugglers >>

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The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.