Former Central Bank board member “Muraaj Ghaith” stated that claims by former governor “Seddiq Al-Kabeer” about a ban on supplying cash dollars to Libya are incorrect, emphasizing that no entity actually prevents this. He explained that while the United States may impose restrictions on dollar transactions, there is nothing preventing the purchase and physical supply of dollars, and this is certain.
Ghaith added that the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the UN Security Council have no involvement in this matter, stressing that the narrative about banning dollar supply is entirely fabricated and has already been disproven. He suggested that there may be other unknown factors behind the issue.
He further noted that after proving these claims false and with the Central Bank proceeding to supply cash dollars, this step may somewhat help reduce practices such as fake purchases conducted through fraudulent point-of-sale systems in Libya, where no actual goods are imported. It may also reduce smuggling activities. He explained that, amid corruption, bank cards can be loaded with any amount and used abroad, whereas cash remains limited by physical carrying constraints.
However, Ghaith emphasized that he does not believe supplying cash dollars will solve the black market problem, as those operating in this illegal and unethical market will not be significantly affected. At most, it may create some pressure, but the activity will continue. He stressed that what is needed is monitoring how the dollars are used, not merely selling them.
He concluded by stating that it is illogical for personal allocation expenditures in 2025 to reach around $8 billion, as this would imply that all Libyans are studying, receiving medical treatment, or traveling abroad for tourism—something he described as unrealistic. He called for stopping the drain of foreign currency through measures such as personal allocations, which have effectively become an acquired right.
