Benghazi, Libya – Libya witnessed a remarkable French diplomatic and military movement, as the French ambassador to Libya, Thierry Falla, held a series of intense meetings with the most prominent military leaders in the east and west of the country.
This step reflects Paris’s efforts to strengthen its influence.
It also aims to secure a pivotal role in the process of unifying the Libyan military establishment.
“Fruitful” dialogue in Benghazi
In the eastern city of Benghazi, the French ambassador held what the embassy described
as “fruitful and frank” discussions with Field Marshal Khaled Haftar, Chief of Staff of the Libyan National Army (LNA).
The talks focused on prospects for military cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, Paris reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts to unify the Libyan armed forces.
The ambassador also stressed the necessity of the withdrawal of all mercenaries and foreign forces to ensure Libya’s sovereignty and stability.
High-level coordination in Paris
These field visits by Ambassador Falla come in the wake of a high-profile official visit
by the Deputy Commander of the “General Command,” Field Marshal Saddam Haftar, to the French capital, Paris.
French President Emmanuel Macron received Saddam Haftar at the Élysée Palace.
The two sides discussed bilateral relations and joint cooperation in the security and military fields.
Saddam Haftar’s visit included a packed schedule of meetings with senior French military and security officials.
These meetings included the French President’s Special Envoy, Paul Solère, the Chief of Staff of the President,
General Vincent Girault, and the Commander of Special Operations, General Michel Delpy.
During these meetings, Saddam Haftar emphasized the significant progress in Libyan-French relations.
He also praised the French role in supporting the country’s stability.
French balance strategy
In the context of balancing Paris policy, Ambassador Thierry Falla also met in Tripoli
with the Undersecretary of Defense in the “Interim National Unity” government, Lieutenant General Abdel Salam Al-Zoubi.
The French Embassy confirmed that this meeting comes within the framework of
its keenness to strengthen bilateral military cooperation with all active parties in Libya.
She also stressed that these endeavors primarily aim to contribute to consolidating security stability.
These moves show that France is seeking to be a major player in the file of unifying the Libyan military establishment.
This is achieved by maintaining open channels of communication
with the military leadership in the east and the National Unity Government in the west.
Paris is betting that this security and military coordination may lead to a convergence of views between the Libyan parties.
It also seeks to ensure a safe transition process that leads to permanent stability away
from the external interference that the country has suffered from for years.
