The US State Department Tuesday called on the armed men that occupied Libya’s Sharara oil field in the desert, south of the country, to hand over the oil facility to the National Oil Corporation (NOC), which has declared force majeure. The oil field, which produces 315,000 barrels per day, has been taken over on Dec.8 by armed protestors, under the Fezzan Anger Movement’s banner. NOC has declared force majeure at El Sharara oil field, a week after announcing a contractual waiver on exports from the field following its seizure by protesters. The State Department Deputy Spokesman underscored in his release that Libyan oil facilities, production, and revenues belong to the Libyan people. Libya’s oil resources must remain under the exclusive control of the legitimate National Oil Corporation and the sole oversight of the Government of National Accord.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 19, 2018 13:30 UTC