Benghazi – Jamal Ibrahim Abughrara is the head of the Committee for Settling the Status of Struggling, Withdrawn, and Dissolved National Companies. He stated that Abu Atni Beverages Company in Benghazi has completely and permanently ceased operations. Abughrara indicated that the committee will submit an urgent recommendation. This recommendation aims to address the employees’ situations. It will also safeguard their employment and living rights.
Abughrara told the Libyan News Agency that he conducted a field visit to the company’s headquarters. This visit followed instructions from the Minister of Civil Service, Mahmoud Abu Bakr Abu Naama. Its purpose was to closely assess the company’s and its employees’ conditions. He also aimed to examine its technical and administrative status.
The visit revealed a complete halt in the company’s production activities. All production lines and operational equipment are no longer functional. They are considered obsolete. This situation directly impacted the company’s continuity and its employees’ conditions. Workers face difficult living conditions because their salaries have stopped.
Abughrara added that Abu Atni Company is fully owned. It previously received a financial clearance totaling 21 million and 650 thousand Libyan dinars. This was part of the ownership transfer procedures. However, the ownership process did not uphold the principle of fairness among employees. Shares were distributed unequally. Furthermore, some workers sold their shares in previous periods. This complicated their legal and financial situations further.
He confirmed that the company’s workers suffered clear injustice. The company also incurred severe damages. These were a result of the difficult security conditions the country experienced in recent years. This led to the destruction of several assets and vital facilities.
Abughrara noted that the Ministry of Civil Service gives this file significant attention. He clarified that the committee will recommend to the Council of Ministers. They suggest forming a specialized committee. This committee will include the Ministries of Civil Service, Economy, and Labor and Rehabilitation. It will also include the Ownership Authority and other relevant bodies. Its task will be to re-examine the ownership contract and its implications.
Abughrara concluded his statement by emphasizing that Abu Atni Company’s case is a humanitarian and national issue. It affects hundreds of families. He stressed the ministry’s commitment to following up on the file. The goal is to reach fair and equitable solutions. These solutions will protect the workers’ dignity. They will also preserve the state’s interest.