Niger ambassador to Libya denies presence of Nigerian rebels in Libya

Niger’s ambassador to Libya Hussein Melloul has denied presence of any Nigerien opposition fighters on Libyan territory.

The ambassador made his remarks on Monday during a meeting with Abdurrahman Al-Sweihli, the head of the Libyan High Council of State, in the Libyan capital Tripoli.

They discussed the bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, including the security situation on the Libya-Niger border and illegal immigration, according to the media office of the council.

“The ambassador of Niger denied presence of any armed opposition groups of his country on Libyan soil, stressing Niger’s respect for the sovereignty and independence of Libya and its full support to the Libyan authorities to restore security and stability in the country,” the office said in a statement.

Al-Sweihli highlighted the necessity of enhancing the joint cooperation on security and illegal immigration.

Since last week, the air force of the Libyan eastern-based self-styled army has been targeting a number of African armed groups in southern Libya, after the alleged deadline for African migrants to leave.