Haftar Releases Nigerien Opposition Leader Amidst International Pressure
Khalifa Haftar released Nigerien opposition leader Mahamadou Saleh after pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron. Saleh’s release may influence the regional power dynamics amidst ongoing conflicts in southern Libya and the military junta’s struggles in Niger following a coup in July 2023.
Khalifa Haftar has released Mahamadou Saleh, a prominent opposition leader from Niger, following his recent arrest in southern Libya. The decision reportedly came after French President Emmanuel Macron exerted diplomatic pressure during a meeting in Paris. Sources indicate that Rissa Ag Boula, a well-connected Tuareg leader based in Paris, also played a crucial role in influencing this outcome.
Mahamadou Saleh, who previously led an armed group in Qatrun, Libya, possesses vital intelligence regarding opposition movements against Niger’s military junta, which is supported by Russia. His release could potentially alter the power dynamics in the region, reinforcing Niger’s opposition factions while increasing instability for the junta, which has come under intense international scrutiny since the military coup in July 2023.
The circumstances surrounding Saleh’s detention involved violent clashes in Qatrun between factions loyal to Saddam Haftar and those aligned with Hassan Al-Zadama. These confrontations erupted when Al-Zadama’s forces resisted disarmament by the military police, leading to significant destruction and the disruption of essential trade routes linking Libya, Niger, and Chad.
In summary, the release of Mahamadou Saleh, influenced by international diplomatic efforts, particularly from France, may have significant implications for the political landscape in Niger. The events surrounding his arrest and subsequent release highlight the ongoing instability in the Sahel region, exacerbated by local conflicts and international interests.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
