The Coordination of Free Forces in Niger denied reports of their leader Mahmoud Salah’s release from imprisonment in Libya. Salah remains in custody under Haftar’s forces in Benghazi. French President Macron’s intervention sought to prevent his transfer to Niger’s military council, while security relations between Haftar and Niger have recently intensified.
The Coordination of Free Forces in Niger, a rebel group, has refuted claims regarding the release of Mahmoud Salah, the leader of the National Liberation Front. Salah was apprehended on February 23 in southern Libya’s Al-Gatroon area and remains in custody under the protection of Haftar’s forces in Benghazi, as stated by the group on the Senegalese website Sud Quotidien.
Earlier reports from the Italian news agency Nova suggested that Salah had been released by Khalifa Haftar, referencing unnamed Libyan sources. These reports emerged after a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Haftar on February 26, during which Macron requested Haftar not to extradite Salah to Niger’s military council, considered illegitimate by the international community due to the July 26, 2023 coup.
In recent months, relations between Niger’s military government and Haftar’s forces have grown closer. This was exemplified by Nigerien Interior Minister Mohamed Boubacar Toumba’s visit to Benghazi last August, which resulted in the reactivation of security agreements. Additionally, Haftar’s son, Saddam, was sent as a special envoy to meet with Niger’s transitional president, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, in September.
Furthermore, Libya’s Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Mohamed Al-Haddad, visited Niamey to foster collaboration in combating armed groups along their borders with Niger. This visit signifies ongoing efforts to bolster bilateral security initiatives between Libya and Niger.
The Coordination of Free Forces in Niger has denied Mahmoud Salah’s release from custody, asserting he remains imprisoned in Benghazi. Tensions arise from international requests to not extradite Salah to Niger’s military council, deemed illegitimate. Recent visits and strengthened relations between Niger’s authorities and Haftar highlight ongoing security collaborations, particularly in addressing regional armed groups.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
