In 2014, conflict between rival factions resulted in Libya’s de facto split into two, with an internationally recognized government in Tripoli and a separate administration backed by the House of Representatives in the east. Today, rival political claims compete for recognition and control of the state. The result is not only a political divide, but also an administrative east-west divide among many government institutions, including the Libyan Audit Bureau (LAB). For the past year, USAID’s Libya Public Financial Management program (LPFM) has been supporting the reunification efforts of these institutions. Institutional reunification is essential for Libya’s long-term prosperity and stability and to ensure that Libya’s institutions effectively deliver for the Libyan people.
Guided by a strategic plan established with support from USAID, the LAB is leading the way in bridging the east-west institutional divide, and bringing unity to its workforce, training, and activities. The LAB has independent audit responsibility for central government revenues and expenditures, increasing government transparency and accountability in public financial management. USAID’s targeted assistance enhances the technical capacity of LAB staff to effectively modernize its operations, organization, and management to meet the highest international standards.
In August, USAID hosted two IT audit training workshops for the LAB, which brought together staff from both its eastern and western branches. The events were historic firsts for the bureau and notable examples for other government entities.
Mr. Khaled Shakshak, President of the LAB, spoke about the unique role that the LAB holds in advancing reunification. “The LAB has maintained its independence…staying away from political wrangling,” he noted. To expedite reunification efforts, the LAB formed a special Committee for Coordination and Communication, which will streamline the release and flow of data between all its departments and entities.
The LAB is also focusing its efforts on increasing gender equity and is finalizing a new human resources development strategy to ensure gender diversity, based on transparent standards. “We are very pleased, because in the past year we hired a large number of women from among the best female graduates in the country,” Mr. Shakshak said. “Our statistics show that 35 percent of our employees are women.”
Mr. Shakshak noted that USAID’s support has been transformative for the LAB. “The collaboration with USAID and the steps we have taken have been an opportunity to change the way we do things in the LAB. We have made important advances in IT reforms, adopting digital transformations that are tightening our supervision and oversight capacity,” he said. “Over the past year, we realized that international donors, like USAID, have put a lot of trust in our institution, and we are continuing to move forward and ensure that our capacity is equal to the task of achieving our strategic objectives regarding accountability, transparency, and excellence,” concluded Mr. Shakshak.
