Yesterday, the Ambassador of the United States to Libya, Richard Norland, wrote a public letter to Libya’s political and military leadership and the people of Libya.
“I am writing out of deep concern regarding a lethal threat to Libya that looms on the horizon. Without a robust, unified response, COVID-19 could rapidly provoke a widespread public health emergency, spreading sickness and death among the ranks of soldiers and civilians alike.”
Richard Norland strongly urged Libyans to Stop the Fighting, Pay the Salaries, and to Treat the Sick in advance of the expected outbreak.
He also stressed that Libyans need a steady source of income to cope with this crisis, and that many Libyans depend on public sector wages. Unfortunately, since January, public salaries have not been paid regularly. Whatever the justifications for withholding disbursement, salary payments must resume immediately without conditions, prioritizing in particular health sector workers who are on the frontlines against COVID-19.
Additionally, restarting Libya’s oil production is critical to ensure Libyan authorities have access to sufficient revenue to pay salaries and foreign currency to procure much-needed medical equipment such as personal protective equipment, testing kits, oxygen, and ventilators.
“If Libya has any hope of securing international help after this virus strikes, there must be improvements made to institutions. Allowing an external audit of the Central Bank would be an easy move that would show the world that Libyan leaders are committed to transparency and fighting corruption; such an audit is ready to begin but for some reason it remains stuck. This can only hurt Libyans.” He stated.