Russian military officials including Moscow’s deputy defence minister arrived in Libya on Tuesday after receiving an invitation from pro-Moscow military strongman Khalifa Haftar. Haftar, who backs the country’s eastern administration, is close to Russia’s private Wagner mercenary group, whose troops guard military and oil infrastructure in the divided country. “This is the first official visit of a Russian military delegation to Libya,” Moscow’s defence ministry said. “During the visit, it is planned to discuss prospects for cooperation in combating international terrorism and other issues of joint action,” Moscow’s defence ministry added. Wagner maintains a strong military presence in Africa, where it has partnered with several nations, including Mali and the Central African Republic.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 23, 2023 19:08 UTC