Libya and Niger Agree to Combat Terrorism and Border Smuggling

Along the Libyan-Nigerian border, threats from armed groups and smuggling networks intertwine, imposing transnational security challenges and compelling regional states to enhance coordination and cooperation.

From Benghazi, Niamey has strengthened its cooperation with the Libyan Army through a strategic agreement protocol, a convergence that observers consider "significant" as it coincides with escalating cross-border threats.

What do we know about the agreement?

Niger signed a protocol of agreement with the Libyan Army to enhance bilateral cooperation, according to an announcement by the Prime Minister of Niger during his visit to Benghazi on Sunday.

Niger's Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine announced via his Facebook page that he was received on Sunday by Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander of the Libyan National Army and son of Khalifa Haftar.

He stated on his Facebook page, "In the framework of strengthening our bilateral relations and expanding our cooperation in various fields, we signed a protocol for strategic cooperation between Libya and the Republic of Niger."

In the same context, Saddam Haftar said he signed a strategic cooperation agreement between Libya and Niger in Benghazi with Niger's Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, and the high-level delegation accompanying him. He expressed hope that this would constitute an important step toward a more advanced phase in bilateral relations, through monitoring implementation and translating mutual understandings into practical programs and steps that yield tangible results.

In late October last year, a Swiss woman and an Austrian woman who had been kidnapped in northern Niger and held hostage in the Sahel region for over a year and a half by ISIS jihadists were released following intervention by the Libyan Army.

In mid-June, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah received Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, and they discussed "security, economic, and regional issues," according to official media in Niger.

What is the significance of the agreement?

Along the border between Libya and Niger, rebel groups opposed to the authorities in Niamey are active, declaring support for ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains detained by the military council.

These groups have launched attacks against the Nigerien army and a massive pipeline transporting Nigerien crude oil to a port in Benin.

In an attempt to neutralize these groups, Saddam Haftar stated that relations between Niger and Libya are gaining increasing importance amid the political and security transformations witnessed in the Sahel and Sahara region, which imposes shared challenges and responsibilities requiring enhanced cooperation and coordination among regional states.

Confronting Threats

He affirmed that Libya's security and stability are closely linked to the security and stability of its African neighbors, and that confronting cross-border threats—primarily terrorism, organized crime, and smuggling networks—requires effective regional cooperation based on respecting state sovereignty and national independence, prioritizing common interests, and avoiding polarization and competition for influence.

He indicated that Libya will continue to strengthen its relations with its neighbors and contribute effectively to efforts aimed at consolidating security and stability, supporting regional partnerships that safeguard the interests and sovereignty of states, and serving the aspirations of their peoples for development and prosperity.