Nigerien Rebel Movement Denies Leader’s Release from Libya

The Nigerien rebel group denies reports of their leader Mahmoud Salah’s release from Libya, asserting he remains detained. Previous reports suggested his release following a request from French President Macron to Haftar. Relations between Niger’s military authorities and Haftar are strengthening, as seen in recent meetings and agreements to enhance cooperation against armed groups.

The Coordination of Free Forces in Niger, a rebel faction, has refuted claims regarding the release of Mahmoud Salah, leader of the National Liberation Front. Salah was detained on February 23 in Al-Gatroon, Libya, and the group asserts that he remains under the custody of Khalifa Haftar’s forces in Benghazi, as reported by the Senegalese outlet Sud Quotidien.

Earlier, the Italian news agency Nova reported, referencing unnamed Libyan sources, that Salah had been released by Haftar. During a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on February 26, it was reported that Macron requested Haftar not to transfer Salah to the military authority in Niamey, which is deemed illegitimate by the international community following the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023.

The recent months have seen stronger ties between Niger’s military authorities and Haftar. This was highlighted by Interior Minister Mohamed Boubacar Toumba’s visit to Benghazi last August, which led to a revival of security agreements between the two nations. Moreover, in September, Haftar sent his son Saddam as a special envoy to Niger’s transitional president, General Abdourahmane Tchiani. In a reciprocal visit, Libya’s Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Mohamed Al-Haddad, came to Niamey to collaborate with Nigerien authorities on tackling armed groups along their shared borders.

In conclusion, the Coordination of Free Forces in Niger has categorically denied the rumors regarding Mahmoud Salah’s release from custody. The ongoing relations between Niger and Libya, underscored by substantial meetings and agreements, reflect a growing collaboration in addressing security challenges in the region amidst the complexities stemming from recent political upheavals in Niger.

Original Source: libyaobserver.ly