Khalifa Haftar released Mahamadou Saleh, a Nigerien opposition leader, after diplomatic pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron. Saleh, previously arrested, has crucial intelligence regarding opposition to Niger’s military junta. His release could shift regional power dynamics, presenting challenges to the junta facing international isolation since a recent coup.
Khalifa Haftar has released Mahamadou Saleh, a Nigerien opposition leader, following his arrest in southern Libya. This decision appears to have been influenced by diplomatic pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron. Reports from Italian news agency Nova indicate that the prominent Tuareg leader Rissa Ag Boula also played a role in securing Saleh’s release due to his significant influence in the Sahel region.
Mahamadou Saleh has been a key figure, having led an armed group in Libya’s Qatrun region for two years. He is believed to hold vital intelligence concerning opposition movements against Niger’s military junta, which enjoys Russian support. In a meeting on February 26, Macron specifically urged Haftar not to extradite Saleh to the military council ruling Niger, which has faced international condemnation since the coup ousting President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
Saleh’s release may alter the regional power landscape by potentially bolstering opposition forces in Niger and exacerbating instability within the junta, which is already under increasing international scrutiny. His detention coincided with violent clashes in Qatrun involving forces aligned with Haftar’s son, Saddam, and those loyal to Hassan Al-Zadama, which led to significant destruction and disruption of essential trade routes linking Libya with Niger and Chad.
In conclusion, the release of Mahamadou Saleh highlights the influence of international diplomacy in regional politics, particularly concerning Niger’s military junta. With Saleh’s potential intelligence on opposition movements, his return to freedom may shift power dynamics in Niger and challenge the current administration amidst ongoing international pressure. The ongoing instability in the region underscores the need for continued observation and intervention from external entities.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
