Haftar Releases Nigerien Opposition Leader Under Macron’s Diplomatic Influence
Khalifa Haftar released Nigerien opposition leader Mahamadou Saleh due to pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron. Saleh, who possesses key intelligence on Niger’s military junta, was released shortly after Macron’s diplomatic intervention. His release may alter regional power dynamics and destabilize the ruling junta amid ongoing clashes in Qatrun.
Khalifa Haftar has released Mahamadou Saleh, a key Nigerien opposition leader, following his arrest in southern Libya. This release came just days after French President Emmanuel Macron exerted diplomatic pressure. Reports from the Italian news agency Nova indicate that the influence of Rissa Ag Boula, a significant Tuareg leader residing in Paris, played a role in Saleh’s liberation, reflecting his considerable impact in the Sahel region.
Saleh previously commanded an armed group in Libya’s Qatrun region for two years and is thought to hold vital intelligence regarding opposition movements challenging the Russian-backed military junta in Niger. Macron reportedly advised Haftar against extraditing Saleh to the military council in Niamey during a meeting held in Paris on February 26, highlighting the international community’s concern following Niger’s coup in July 2023 that resulted in the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum.
The release of Saleh is anticipated to influence the balance of power in the region, potentially bolstering the opposition forces in Niger while simultaneously further destabilizing the military junta in Niamey, which faces increasing international scrutiny. Saleh’s detention coincided with armed clashes in Qatrun involving forces loyal to Haftar’s son, Saddam Haftar, and those supporting Hassan Al-Zadama, escalating tensions in the area.
In summary, the release of Mahamadou Saleh by Khalifa Haftar, under pressure from diplomatic efforts by French President Emmanuel Macron, reflects shifting dynamics in the Sahel region. Saleh’s intelligence on opposition movements could strengthen resistance against Niger’s military junta while fueling instability within its leadership. Additionally, ongoing conflicts in Qatrun complicate the regional situation further.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
