The Chadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Integration has announced the release of 85 of its nationals who were recently detained in Libya. Their arrest took place in Qatrun, a region that witnessed violent clashes between forces affiliated with the Libyan National Army (LNA) and what the LNA described as “saboteurs.” The same area saw the recent capture of a Nigerien rebel leader.
According to Chad Info, the Chadian ministry stated that following recent events in southern Libya, Chadian nationals were among several African migrants detained by Libyan authorities in Qatrun. However, it did not specify the details of these incidents.
The ministry added that through swift intervention and close cooperation with the Chadian embassy in Libya, an agreement was reached to secure the release of all detained Chadians holding valid travel documents or those in the process of regularisation.
On 4 March, 62 men and 23 women were released. However, one Chadian national reportedly died due to illness while in detention. Authorities confirmed that 82 more Chadian citizens remain in custody but are expected to be released soon.
To facilitate their voluntary return, the Chadian government, in partnership with friendly nations and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has arranged chartered flights for those stranded in difficult conditions. The ministry also urged all Chadian nationals to comply with local laws in host countries.
Three weeks ago, the LNA engaged in fierce clashes against Chadian armed groups in the Qatrun desert, resulting in multiple casualties. The LNA later confirmed the deaths of seven of its soldiers during an operation aimed at combating human trafficking and drug smuggling.
On 13 February, the LNA’s War Information Division announced the conclusion of military operations targeting “mercenary hideouts, saboteurs, smugglers, and human traffickers” in the region.
Chadian media sources have linked the clashes in Qatrun to Saleh Abdelkarim Habré, the nephew of former Chadian President Hissène Habré. The armed group he leads opposes Chad’s current government. Though Saleh Habré was not present during the battles, reports suggest he may have allied with Hassan Al-Zadma, commander of the LNA’s 128th Brigade.
This development follows an LNA operation in the same southern region last week, where the Rapid Intervention Brigade 87 arrested Nigerien opposition leader Ali Mahmoud Salah in Qatrun. Mahmoud Salah is accused of leading movements against Niger’s military regime and advocating for the restoration of constitutional rule after the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. However, Nigerien and French sources claim he was released shortly after his arrest.
