The Coordination of Free Forces in Niger denies the release of its leader, Mahmoud Salah, who remains imprisoned in Benghazi. Earlier claims suggested his release by Khalifa Haftar, influenced by French President Emmanuel Macron’s request. Strengthened ties between Niger’s military and Haftar’s forces have been noted, particularly in security collaboration agreements.
The Coordination of Free Forces in Niger has refuted claims about the release of their leader, Mahmoud Salah, who was detained on February 23 in Al-Gatroon, Libya. A statement from the group indicates that Salah remains in custody, under Haftar’s forces in Benghazi, contradicting earlier reports from Italian news agency Nova.
Initial reports from Nova, citing unnamed Libyan sources, claimed that Khalifa Haftar had released Salah. It was noted that French President Emmanuel Macron requested during a meeting with Haftar on February 26 that Salah not be handed over to the military council in Niamey, considered illegitimate by the international community after the July 26, 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Increasing ties have been observed between Niger’s military leadership and Haftar in recent months, highlighted by the visit of Nigerien Interior Minister Mohamed Boubacar Toumba to Benghazi last August, aimed at reactivating bilateral security agreements. Following this, Haftar dispatched his son, Saddam, to meet with Niger’s transitional president, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, in September. Conversely, Libya’s Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Mohamed Al-Haddad, visited Niamey, establishing commitments to bolster efforts against armed groups along their borders.
The Coordination of Free Forces in Niger clarified that their leader, Mahmoud Salah, is still imprisoned in Libya, contrary to release claims. Relationships between Niger and Haftar’s forces have strengthened, featuring high-level visits focused on security collaborations. Ongoing political tensions remain amidst heightened military interactions, reflecting the complexities of regional security dynamics post-coup in Niger.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
