Ex-oil minister Mohamed Aoun reportedly stopped while traveling abroad

Security sources informed Libyan Express on Saturday that former Oil Minister Mohamed Aoun was detained at Mitiga Airport in Tripoli while preparing to travel abroad.

According to the sources, Aoun was stopped by security personnel shortly before boarding his flight. Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the matter, but preliminary indications suggest that the detention may be linked to ongoing investigations concerning files within Libya’s vital oil sector.

Aoun, who served as Minister of Oil and Gas in the Government of National Unity, was a central figure in disputes over the management of Libya’s energy resources, often clashing with officials at the National Oil Corporation (NOC) during his tenure. His outspoken criticism of alleged mismanagement and foreign interference in the sector made him a controversial political figure.

The nature of the investigations reportedly tied to his detention remains unclear. It is also not yet known whether Aoun will face formal charges or if the questioning is of a preliminary nature.

The oil sector, Libya’s main source of state revenue, has been mired in disputes and corruption allegations for years, with international actors and local factions vying for influence. Analysts say the detention of a former oil minister could mark a significant development in efforts to scrutinize past decisions and financial dealings.

As of this writing, neither the Ministry of Oil and Gas nor Mitiga Airport authorities have issued a statement confirming or denying Aoun’s detention.