Khalifa Haftar has released Nigerien opposition leader Mahamadou Saleh following pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron. This release may shift regional dynamics in Niger, where opposition forces are gaining potential strength against the military junta. Saleh’s captivity occurred amid violent conflict in Libya, highlighting the interconnectedness of regional political tensions and conflicts.
Khalifa Haftar has released Mahamadou Saleh, a Nigerien opposition leader, following his recent arrest in southern Libya. The release reportedly occurred after pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron. Italian news agency Nova reported that Rissa Ag Boula, a significant Tuareg leader residing in Paris, may have influenced this decision due to his considerable influence in the Sahel region.
Saleh, who led an armed faction in Libya’s Qatrun for two years, is believed to possess vital intelligence regarding opposition movements against Niger’s military junta, supported by Russia. Libyan sources indicated that during a meeting in Paris on February 26, President Macron urged Haftar to refrain from extraditing Saleh back to the ruling military council in Niamey. This junta has faced increasing international isolation following its assumption of power in a coup against President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
The release of Saleh may result in a shift in the regional power landscape, potentially bolstering Niger’s opposition forces, while further destabilizing the military leadership in Niamey, which is under growing international scrutiny. Saleh’s arrest occurred amid conflicts in Qatrun between forces aligned with Haftar’s son, Saddam Haftar, and those loyal to Hassan Al-Zadama, which led to violent confrontations and the disruption of critical trade routes connecting Libya, Niger, and Chad.
The release of Mahamadou Saleh, influenced by diplomatic pressure from President Macron, underscores the impact of international relations on regional dynamics. Saleh’s possible intelligence about Niger’s opposition movements may alter the balance of power, further challenging the legitimacy of Niger’s military junta amid ongoing internal strife and external scrutiny.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
