Niger's Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine has approved a memorandum of understanding with eastern Libya's military commander Khalifa Haftar. The agreement aims to expand cooperation in various fields and was signed during Zeine's visit to Benghazi, the de facto capital of eastern Libya. The city is controlled by General Haftar and his clan. Niger shares a border of over 340 kilometers with Libya, a country divided since 2014.
The visit marks a rapprochement with Benghazi, despite Niger maintaining relations with both Libyan authorities. The UN-recognized government in Tripoli is led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, while a rival administration exists in the east. Zeine's visit included several political and military officials. The agreement is seen as a significant development in the region.
Turkey recently hosted talks between Libya's eastern and western administrations to reunify them. A senior Turkish official stated that discussions focused primarily on military unification, with political unity to be addressed later. The talks in Ankara included military officials and diplomats from both sides. Turkey is one of the few countries maintaining ties with both Libyan administrations.
Libya has been unstable since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising. Turkey strongly backed the Tripoli-based government during years of conflict but has recently warmed ties with eastern authorities. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the time had come to reunify the eastern and western administrations.
Fidan hinted that an announcement on reunification could come soon, citing the need to bring military units under a single umbrella. Although no agreement has been reached, the parties have agreed to continue talks. The situation in Libya remains complex, with multiple factions vying for control.
Niger's cooperation deal with eastern Libya's military leader comes amid its own challenges. The country has imposed an overnight fuel sales curfew due to a nationwide shortage. Niger has also accused Chad of a drone attack that killed two civilians. The region remains volatile, with various countries and factions involved.
The cooperation deal between Niger and eastern Libya's military leader is seen as a significant development in the region. The two countries will strengthen bilateral relations in various fields. The deal was signed during a visit by Niger's Prime Minister to Benghazi, a city controlled by General Haftar.
Key points
- Niger signs cooperation deal with eastern Libya's military commander Khalifa Haftar.
- Turkey hosts talks between Libya's eastern and western administrations to reunify them.
- Libya has been unstable since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.
