Nigerien Rebel Movement Denies Leader’s Release from Libya

The Coordination of Free Forces in Niger denied reports of their leader Mahmoud Salah’s release from Libya, asserting he remains imprisoned under Haftar’s forces. Previous claims suggested he was released, allegedly influenced by diplomatic requests from French President Macron. Ties between Niger’s military leaders and Haftar have strengthened, marked by bilateral security agreements and high-level visits.

The Coordination of Free Forces in Niger, a prominent rebel organization, has refuted claims regarding the release of their leader, Mahmoud Salah. Reports indicated his arrest on February 23 in the Al-Gatroon region of southern Libya, where he remains under the custody of Khalifa Haftar’s forces in Benghazi, as confirmed by a statement from the group and reported by the Senegalese news outlet, Sud Quotidien.

Previous coverage by the Italian news agency Nova suggested that Salah was released, citing unnamed Libyan officials. Allegedly, during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on February 26, Haftar was urged not to transfer Salah to the military council in Niamey, which is deemed illegitimate by the international community following the coup that unseated President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023.

In recent months, the relationship between Niger’s military regime and Haftar has become increasingly robust. Notably, this was exemplified by the visit of Nigerien Interior Minister Mohamed Boubacar Toumba to Benghazi last August, resulting in the revival of bilateral security arrangements.

Furthermore, Haftar appointed his son, Saddam, as a special envoy to Niger’s transitional president, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, in September. Concurrently, Libya’s Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Mohamed Al-Haddad, traveled to Niamey to discuss enhancing collaboration with Nigerien authorities in addressing armed groups operating in border areas.

In summary, the Coordination of Free Forces in Niger has denied the release of their leader Mahmoud Salah, asserting his continued detention in Libya. Diplomatic exchanges between Niger’s military governance and Khalifa Haftar have intensified recently, reflecting a commitment to mutual security efforts, contrary to past claims of Salah’s release.

Original Source: libyaobserver.ly