Haftar's advances in Ghadames raise concerns in Algeria

The town of Ghadames continues to raise regional and international concerns after Libyan army commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar launched an operation aimed at controlling the town near the border with Algeria and Tunisia. 

‘The movement of units to the southwest is part of a comprehensive plan to secure the southern border and improve national security in this strategic region by intensifying patrols in the desert and monitoring the border strip with neighbouring countries. This move does not target anyone,’ a Libyan army statement said. 

The note also stresses that ‘these movements are aimed at reinforcing security in the border and southern areas, especially in light of the tension in neighbouring countries and the possibility of activity by extremist groups’.

Haftar's advances, however, are particularly resented in Algeria, as this operation is supported by its traditional ally, Russia, one of the Libyan marshal's main backers. Moreover, as Al-Arab reports, part of Algiers' fears about the military operation are related to the fact that the Libyan cities of Ghadames and Al-Dabdab are populated by Tuareg, so any disruption of security could provoke social unrest.

Various reports indicate that, as Russia tries to strengthen its pressure in the Sahel region, Haftar is facing rejection from Algeria and US-led Western pressure to halt his advances. 

Meanwhile, Libyan military units under the banner of Haftar's army continue to surround the Ghadames area adjacent to the Algerian border, awaiting a political decision consistent with military and security objectives. Analysts consulted by Al-Arab attribute Haftar's delay in issuing a final and decisive decision to numerous pressures from international and regional powers.

Thus, the Libyan strongman is caught between the different objectives and strategies of international and regional powers interested in the Libyan issue despite the support he receives from Moscow and some neighbouring countries, in addition to his close ties with the ruling military elites in Sahelian countries such as Niger and Mali.

By contrast, Haftar's relationship with Algeria has been fraught with crises in recent years, with the possibility of worsening if advances in the Ghadames region continue.

The overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 plunged Libya into political and social instability. Despite multiple efforts by the United Nations and regional countries to unify the country and promote elections, the nation remains divided into two rival governments, one in the west and one in the east.

Tripoli in the west is home to the UN-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU), while the eastern region is largely controlled by the Tobruk-based House of Representatives, which supports the Haftar-influenced Government of National Stability (GNS).