Representative Joe Wilson warned Khalifa Haftar of the increasing Russian military presence in Libya during Haftar’s diplomatic visit to Belarus. The situation is exacerbated by the US Libya Stabilisation Act, which allows sanctions against foreign entities aiding Libyan factions. Recent intelligence shows a surge in Russian personnel, reflecting Russia’s strategic interest in Libya amid its wider African engagement efforts.
A senior US Republican lawmaker, Representative Joe Wilson, has cautioned Khalifa Haftar regarding the increasing Russian naval influence in Libya. This warning comes as Haftar embarks on a diplomatic mission to Belarus, where President Alexander Lukashenko has extended support for enhanced cooperation, particularly in industrial and agricultural sectors. This development is part of ongoing concerns about Russia’s military presence in North Africa.
Haftar’s diplomatic efforts are paralleled by eastern Libya’s foreign minister, Abdul Hadi Al-Huwaij, who is preparing for a Libyan-Russian forum aimed at boosting bilateral relations. These moves occur in the context of the US Libya Stabilisation Act of 2023, which empowers sanctions against foreign entities supporting Libyan factions following the expiration of the Government of National Unity’s mandate.
Recent reports indicate a significant increase in Russian military personnel in Libya, with numbers rising from 800 to 1,800 between February and May 2024. Satellite imagery has suggested that Russian forces are constructing logistical bases in southern Libya, particularly near the borders with Chad and Sudan. This military buildup is part of Russia’s broader strategy to enhance its engagement across Africa as a response to international isolation due to its actions in Ukraine.
Additionally, past CIA attempts have aimed to persuade Haftar to facilitate the withdrawal of Russian troops from Libyan soil. The ongoing geopolitical maneuvers highlight the complexities of Libya’s political landscape and the international implications of external influences in the region.
The article underscores the growing concerns over Russian military presence in Libya, especially as diplomatic ties between Haftar and Belarus strengthen. The US warning reflects apprehensions about potential Russian naval expansion and hints at broader geopolitical dynamics involving Libya’s future. Recent intelligence supports the notion that Russia is bolstering its military footprint, which complicates the local and international efforts for stabilization in Libya.
Original Source: www.libyanexpress.com
