The United Nations Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily met with the President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum who commended the UN’s efforts to stabilize Libya, at this critical time.
Bathily said he briefed President Bazoum on the progress made on the security track, including efforts to rid Libya of foreign fighters and mercenaries. He also updated Bazoum on the political developments in Libya, including efforts to hold elections this year. Bazoum expressed his support to the Libyan people in their quest for peace and stability.
In his final stop to Libya’s southern neighbours, Bathily had a series of meetings with Niger’s leaders including Ministers of Defence and Interior and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
During a meeting with Niger’s Minister of National Defence, Alkassoum Indattou, the two sides reviewed the coordination mechanisms supporting the work of Libya’s 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC). This is to facilitate the systematic withdrawal of Niger’s mercenaries and fighters from Libya.
The meeting discussed the importance of enhancing border security between Libya and Niger, to prevent cross-border trafficking and criminal activities which negatively impact the national security of both countries and the wider region.
Moreover, Bathily also met with Niger’s Minister of Interior and Public Security, Alkache Alhada in Niamy. The two parties discussed the important progress made by the Liaison Committee of Libya, Niger, Chad, and Sudan, under the supervision of the JMC.
On Friday, Bathily said that his tour to Sudan, Chad, and Niger, is “part of the UNSMIL’s mandate to restore peace and stability in Libya, including through supporting the JMC in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.” This is notably the withdrawal of all foreign fighters, foreign forces, and mercenaries from Libya.
He added that the foreign presence in Libya “poses a critical risk to peace and stability in the country and the region. We need to work with our partners to address this challenge without negatively impacting Libya’s neighbouring countries.”
Bathily was received by the President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, who expressed support for UNSMIL’s efforts. He stressed that achieving peace and stability in Libya will contribute to the stability of the region.
“I briefed the President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan on UNSMIL’s efforts to restore stability and peace in Libya, including through the return of foreign fighters, foreign forces, and mercenaries in coordination with their countries of origin.”
