The Secretary-General of the Libyan National Army (LNA), General Khairi Al-Tamimi, welcomed Niger’s Minister of Interior, General Mohamed Toumba, and his accompanying delegation on Friday at the LNA headquarters in Benghazi. During the meeting, they discussed several key issues of mutual interest, focusing primarily on securing the shared borders between the two countries and the movements of military forces along these borders.
The discussions also covered counter-terrorism efforts and combating smuggling, in addition to exploring ways to enhance security and military cooperation between Libya and Niger. At the end of the meeting, General Khairi Al-Tamimi received a letter from Niger’s President, Abdourahamane Tchiani, addressed to the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces, expressing gratitude for the humanitarian aid provided by the Libyan Armed Forces to the people of Niger. This gesture was highlighted as a way to strengthen the fraternal ties between the two nations.
Libya and Niger have historically worked together on securing their porous shared border, which has been a significant conduit for smuggling, human trafficking, and militant activities. Both countries have faced challenges in controlling the flow of weapons, drugs, and other illegal goods across the desert frontier, which has made cooperation essential.
Given the presence of various militant groups in the Sahel region, including those linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS, both nations have recognized the importance of joint counter-terrorism efforts. They have collaborated on intelligence-sharing and coordinated military operations to tackle the threats posed by these groups. This cooperation is critical, especially considering Libya’s role as a transit route for militants moving between North Africa and the Sahel.
Libya has often been a transit point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, including Niger, seeking to reach Europe. In response, Libya and Niger have cooperated on managing migration flows, with Libya deporting irregular migrants back to Niger under international agreements and voluntary repatriation programs. Additionally, Libya has provided humanitarian assistance to Niger, especially in times of crisis, strengthening bilateral relations.
