The head of the Oil Corporation in Libya warns Dabaiba against “compromising” his institution

Mustafa Sanalla, head of the National Oil Corporation in Libya, warned the Prime Minister in Tripoli, Abdel Hamid al-Dabaiba, against harming his institution, ignoring a government order to dismiss him upon his return to Tripoli after performing the Hajj pilgrimage.

In a televised speech, Sanalla warned Dabaiba not to "harm" his institution, saying, "Your government has expired and has no authority over the institution or over others."

The outgoing government of Dabaiba had decided on Tuesday to appoint Farhat bin Qadara to replace Sanalla at the head of the National Oil Corporation, raising fears that the corporation responsible for oil production would be dragged into the country's fierce political confrontation.

Dabaiba also formed a committee to manage the transition to the new board of directors, according to a statement posted on the Oil Ministry's website.

However, the statement of the National Oil Corporation described Sanalla, after his return from performing the Hajj rituals, as the president and did not refer to the decision to dismiss him.

Control of Libya's oil revenues through the oil establishment and the central bank is the main prize for the warring factions since the 2011 NATO-backed protests that have led to years of chaos and violence in the North African country.

In March, parliament appointed a government led by Fathi Bashagha to replace Dabaiba's, but Dabaiba refused to step down.

In a separate statement, the National Oil Corporation said on Tuesday it would resume crude exports from two ports and hoped to resume production from closed fields soon.

Analysts say that the appointment of Farhat bin Qadara, who before 2011 was governor of the Central Bank to run the National Oil Corporation, may be an attempt by Dabaiba to consolidate his position in Tripoli.

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