Publicly, the talks were about strengthening Libya’s “institutions” (Central Bank, the NOC, and budget oversight bodies). For Haftar’s camp, it means securing tolerated access to oil value outside that system, through crude-in-kind arrangements, parallel commercial channels, and Tripoli’s willingness to avoid enforcement when eastern networks divert or pressure flows. These arrangements are tolerated on both sides as long as they remain roughly balanced (“strengthening institutions). When Tripoli tightens access to FX, audits spending, or slows budget releases, the east applies pressure through oil production or export threats. When eastern networks expand off-books crude flows too far, Tripoli responds through legal action, payment freezes, or international exposure.

Source: Libya Today January 30, 2026 14:32 UTC