The UN Support Mission in Libya (MANUL) expressed its “concern” on Thursday over the kidnappings, arrests and enforced disappearances of civilians and public figures, including a former minister, warning against creating a climate of fear and tension.

The UN mission is “deeply concerned about the ongoing abductions, arbitrary arrests and disappearances of civilians and public figures by various bodies [σ.σ. των δυνάμεων] security in Libya”, says a statement made public yesterday.

Faraj Abderaman Bhumtari, former Finance Minister of the National Ethnic Government (2018), was “arrested on Wednesday on his arrival at Mitiga Airport [της Τρίπολης] and was taken to an unknown location,” notes MANUL.

According to Libyan media, he was arrested by agents of the Internal Security Agency (IDA); however, this information has not been confirmed by the authorities so far.

Members of Mr Boumtari’s tribe, Zouaia, threatened on Thursday to block oil terminals in eastern Libya if the former minister was not released.

Two crucial oil fields in the south (al-Sarara, al-Fil), which produce a third of Libya’s black gold production, have already been blocked by protesters, according to information circulating on social media sites, which AFP notes are not has been verified, so far at least.

Yesterday Thursday, “five members of the Supreme Council of State were forbidden to travel to the same airport”, adds the announcement of MANUL, citing “publications”.

Mitiga Airport is controlled by the authorities as well as security forces, both of which have the power to deny passengers entry or exit.

The UN mission called on Libyan authorities and security forces to “release all those arbitrarily detained” and “guarantee independent investigations” into their abductions.

For MANUL, events of this nature create a “climate of fear and fuel inter-communal and tribal tensions”, by definition “inimical” to “the conduct of transparent and inclusive elections” and to “national reconciliation”.

Libya, the country with Africa’s largest oil reserves, remains mired in chaos after the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, undermined by the east-west divide.

Two governments continue to compete for power: one based in Tripoli (west), recognized by the UN and headed by Abdelhamid Dbayba, the other based in the east and supported by the powerful field marshal Khalifa Haftar.