The Coordination of Free Forces in Niger denied the release of their leader, Mahmoud Salah, stating he remains imprisoned by Haftar’s forces. Reports of his release contradicted official statements, while relations between Niger’s military and Haftar’s forces have strengthened, leading to reactivated security agreements and strategic dialogues.
The Coordination of Free Forces in Niger, a rebel faction, has refuted claims of the release of Mahmoud Salah, leader of the National Liberation Front. Salah was apprehended on February 23 in southern Libya’s Al-Gatroon region. The rebel group affirmed that he continues to be detained under the protection of Khalifa Haftar’s forces in Benghazi, as reported by Senegalese outlet Sud Quotidien.
Contrary to this assertion, the Italian news agency Nova indicated that unnamed Libyan sources suggested Salah had been released by Haftar. Allegedly, during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on February 26, Haftar received a request not to transfer Salah to the military council in Niamey, which the international community deems illegitimate due to its involvement in the July 26 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
In recent months, the ties between Niger’s military leadership and Haftar have grown stronger. Notably, Nigerien Interior Minister Mohamed Boubacar Toumba’s visit to Benghazi in August yielded a revival of existing bilateral security agreements. Additionally, Haftar dispatched his son, Saddam, to meet with Niger’s transitional president, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, in September, highlighting the ongoing cooperation between the two entities.
Moreover, Lieutenant General Mohamed Al-Haddad, Libya’s Chief of General Staff, visited Niamey, where he and Nigerien officials emphasized their commitment to enhancing collaboration against armed groups operating along their mutual borders. This visit further illustrates the strategic partnership being established in light of growing security concerns.
The Coordination of Free Forces in Niger has denied the release of their leader Mahmoud Salah, asserting his continued imprisonment by Haftar’s forces. This claim contrasts with reports from Italian news agency Nova and highlights increased cooperation between Niger’s authorities and Libyan forces, as they aim to address regional security challenges. Recent diplomatic engagements reflect a growing alliance, particularly following military agreements and high-level visits.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
