Rival bodies approve first unified budget

Libya’s rival legislative bodies have approved a unified state budget for the first time in more than a decade, in a rare moment of co-operation in a country fractured by years of conflict, reports Al Jazeera. The Central Bank of Libya confirmed on Saturday that both chambers had endorsed the budget, describing the move as a step towards restoring financial stability after prolonged division. Governor Naji Issa said the agreement showed the country could overcome internal rifts. Libya has remained split since the 2014 civil war, which created rival administrations in the east and west. The last time the country operated under a single national budget was in 2013. The deal brings together the eastern-based House of Representatives and the Tripoli-based High Council of State, two institutions that have long competed for authority. Representatives from both sides signed the agreement in the capital, where the internationally recognised Government of National Unity is based under Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. Despite the breakthrough, political divisions remain entrenched. In the east, forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar maintain control over large parts of the country, including key oil-producing regions. His self-styled Libyan National Army dominates major export terminals along the northeastern coast, as well as significant oil fields in the south and southeast. The timing of the agreement underscores Libya’s growing importance in global energy markets. Demand for its crude has increased amid disruptions linked to the Israel-US war on Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.