Following pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron, Khalifa Haftar has released Mahamadou Saleh, a Nigerien opposition leader arrested in Libya. Saleh is believed to hold critical intelligence on Niger’s military junta. His release may empower opposition forces and destabilize the military leadership in Niamey, amid ongoing clashes in the Qatrun region.
Khalifa Haftar has released Mahamadou Saleh, a Nigerien opposition leader, shortly after his apprehension in southern Libya, following diplomatic intervention from French President Emmanuel Macron. It is reported by Italian news agency Nova that Saleh’s release was encouraged by Rissa Ag Boula, a prominent Tuareg figure based in Paris with considerable influence in the Sahel region.
Saleh, who previously led an armed group in Libya’s Qatrun region for two years, is thought to possess vital intelligence regarding opposition activities against Niger’s military junta, which enjoys Russian support. Libyan sources reveal that during a meeting in Paris on February 26, Macron conveyed to Haftar the need to prevent Saleh’s extradition to Niger’s ruling military council in Niamey, which has been internationally isolated following the coup that unseated President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
The report by Nova indicates that Saleh’s release could significantly alter the regional power dynamics, potentially bolstering Niger’s opposition forces and intensifying the instability surrounding the Niamey military leadership, which is currently under considerable international scrutiny. Saleh’s arrest coincided with violent clashes in Qatrun between factions allied with Haftar’s son, Saddam Haftar, and others loyal to Hassan Al-Zadama, provoked by a refusal to disarm and leading to widespread destruction and disruption of vital trade routes linking Libya, Niger, and Chad.
The release of Mahamadou Saleh highlights the intricate dynamics of regional politics influenced by international relations, particularly between France and Libya. As the opposition leader returns, the landscape in Niger may experience shifts that could further challenge the military junta’s authority. The situation remains precarious, especially amidst ongoing conflicts in Qatrun and external pressures on the Niamey regime.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
