Egypt Withdraws Military Experts from Benghazi Amid Disagreements with Haftar's Camp

Egypt has reportedly pulled out its military experts from the Libyan city of Benghazi. This move may signal escalating disagreements between Cairo and Khalifa Haftar's camp. The development comes after years of alliance and rapprochement between the two. According to reports from Radio France Internationale, the withdrawal has not been officially confirmed by Egyptian or Libyan authorities.

The timing of this withdrawal coincides with Egypt's efforts to strengthen its relations with the Libyan Government of National Unity. Egypt recently reopened its embassy in Tripoli after a 12-year closure. This move suggests a shift in Egypt's strategy in Libya. The country is seeking to improve ties with the internationally recognized government.

Tensions between Egypt and Haftar's camp have been rising. A key point of contention is the maritime agreement between Libya and Turkey, signed in 2019. The agreement has been ratified by the Libyan parliament but strongly opposed by Egypt. Cairo views the deal as a threat to its sovereignty and a violation of international maritime law.

Another source of disagreement is a proposed Egyptian project to build a road connecting the Red Sea port of Berenice to the Cameroonian port of Douala on the Atlantic Ocean. The road would span over 1,700 kilometers, passing through southern Libya and Chad. Haftar's camp is reportedly concerned that this project could impact the future economic role of the port of Sirte.

The conflict in Sudan has also contributed to the tensions between Egypt and Haftar's camp. According to UN reports, Haftar's camp has been involved in transporting arms and ammunition from Abu Dhabi to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces. Egypt has not accepted this role attributed to Haftar's camp.

The absence of Khalifa Haftar from the public scene and the increasing involvement of his son, Saddam Haftar, in managing the political and military affairs of the Libyan National Army have also contributed to the rising tensions. This shift in power dynamics within Haftar's camp may be influencing Egypt's decision to withdraw its military experts.

The developments in Libya have significant implications for regional stability. Egypt's withdrawal of its military experts from Benghazi may mark a turning point in its relations with Haftar's camp. The situation remains fluid, with multiple factors contributing to the tensions between Cairo and the Libyan National Army.

Key points

• Egypt has withdrawn its military experts from Benghazi amid rising tensions with Khalifa Haftar's camp.
• The maritime agreement between Libya and Turkey is a key point of contention between Egypt and Haftar's camp.
• Egypt's relations with Haftar's camp are influenced by various factors, including the conflict in Sudan and the proposed road project connecting Egypt to Cameroon.