Khalifa Haftar has released Mahamadou Saleh, a Nigerien opposition figure, just days after his arrest in southern Libya. The release reportedly followed diplomatic pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron. Italian news agency Nova cited Nigerien sources suggesting that Saleh’s freedom was also influenced by Rissa Ag Boula, a prominent Tuareg leader in Paris, who is known for his influence in the Sahel region.
Saleh, who previously led an armed group in Libya’s Qatrun region, is believed to hold vital intelligence regarding opposition movements against Niger’s military junta, which has the backing of Russia. According to Libyan sources, Macron met with Haftar in Paris on February 26 and advised against extraditing Saleh to the junta in Niamey. Since taking power in a July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s military Government has faced international isolation and criticism, heightening the significance of Saleh’s release.
The move is seen as potentially reshaping the balance of power in the region, with the release strengthening Niger’s opposition forces and further destabilising the military leadership in Niamey. Saleh’s detention occurred amid escalating violence in Qatrun, where clashes between Haftar’s son, Saddam Haftar, and forces loyal to Hassan Al-Zadama led to significant disruptions. These confrontations, driven by Al-Zadama’s refusal to surrender arms to military police, resulted in the destruction of homes and the interruption of crucial trade routes between Libya, Niger, and Chad.