Haftar Releases Nigerien Opposition Leader Under Macron’s Influence

Khalifa Haftar has released Nigerien opposition leader Mahamadou Saleh under pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron. Saleh possesses crucial intelligence about opposition movements against Niger’s military junta. His release may shift power dynamics in the region, potentially strengthening opposition forces while complicating the situation for the junta, amid ongoing clashes in Qatrun.

Khalifa Haftar has released Mahamadou Saleh, a Nigerien opposition leader, after his recent arrest in Libya’s southern region. This decision reportedly followed diplomatic pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron, who emphasized the need for Saleh’s release during a meeting in Paris on February 26. Saleh, who previously led an armed group in the Qatrun area of Libya, possesses vital intelligence regarding opposition movements against Niger’s military junta, which has support from Russia.

According to reports from the Italian news agency Nova, Rissa Ag Boula, a key Tuareg figure based in Paris, played a significant role in influencing Saleh’s release, illustrating the interconnectedness of regional politics. Saleh’s liberation may affect the regional balance of power, potentially boosting Niger’s opposition forces while increasing instability for the military leadership in Niamey, which has faced growing international isolation since last July’s coup.

Saleh’s detention coincided with violent clashes in Qatrun between forces loyal to Haftar’s son, Saddam Haftar, and supporters of Hassan Al-Zadama. These confrontations arose when Al-Zadama’s forces refused to relinquish their weapons to military police, resulting in destruction and interruptions to critical trade routes linking Libya, Niger, and Chad. The ongoing turmoil highlights the fragile security situation in the area and the potential consequences for regional governance.

In summary, the release of Mahamadou Saleh underscores the significant impact of international diplomatic efforts on regional conflicts. The implications of his release could alter the dynamics of opposition in Niger, further complicating the political landscape following the military junta’s seizure of power. The situation remains delicate, especially with ongoing violence in Qatrun, which threatens stability across the borders of Libya and Niger.

Original Source: libyaobserver.ly