South Africa’s security authorities have detained 95 Libyans following a raid on an unauthorised military base in White River, Mpumalanga, approximately 360 kilometres northeast of Johannesburg.
This operation, orchestrated by various security agencies, was initiated based on intelligence received two days prior, under the supervision of Mpumalanga’s police commissioner, General Zef Mkhwanazi.
Initially, it was a training site, but the location was converted into an illicit military training base.
All 95 detained individuals are Libyans currently being interrogated by relevant authorities.
The ongoing investigation promises further details as they emerge, with the police reassuring the public that there is no immediate threat to community safety.
According to South African Police spokesperson, Athlinda Mathe, the Libyans were arrested for violating immigration laws, having provided false information on their visa applications by claiming to be in South Africa for security guard training.
However, suspicions arise that their actual purpose was military training.
This incident occurred amidst warnings from experts about American efforts to establish what is being termed the “European-Libyan Legion” in the region.
Analysts suggest that Washington’s intentions to unify Libya’s military institutions might lead to a new military confrontation in Libya or perpetuate the existing institutional divide.
These developments will likely be a focal point at the upcoming 75th annual NATO summit in Washington from July 9-11, which could further influence the formation of the “Legion” aligning with U.S. interests in the region.
Libya’s efforts to form a new executive authority have stalled due to a lack of UN and international support, according to Libyan parliamentary sources. The initiative, led by some members of the parliament and the High Council of State, has faced significant obstacles in recent days.
Libyan House of Representatives Speaker Aguila Saleh is leading regional efforts to support the outcomes of recent meetings between some parliament members and their counterparts in the High Council of State.
