Niger and eastern Libya have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation following a high-level visit to Benghazi, marking a new step in relations between the neighbouring countries.
Niger signed a memorandum of understanding with eastern Libya’s military commander Khalifa Haftar on Sunday, according to Africanews and AFP.
The agreement aims to expand cooperation across several sectors, although specific commitments have not been publicly detailed.
Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine approved the agreement during a visit accompanied by political and military officials.
Niger strengthens Libya ties
The agreement reflects Niger’s efforts to deepen relations with authorities in eastern Libya while maintaining diplomatic contact with the administration in Tripoli.
Niger shares a border of more than 340 kilometres with Libya, making developments in the neighbouring country important to regional relations.
Benghazi serves as the main administrative and military centre of eastern Libya, where Haftar exercises significant influence.
The memorandum signals closer engagement between Niamey and Benghazi.
However, officials have not announced a detailed timetable for implementing the agreement.
Libya remains politically divided
Libya has experienced prolonged political divisions since the overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
The country currently has rival administrations based in Tripoli and eastern Libya.
The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity is led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah and holds international recognition.
Meanwhile, eastern Libya operates under a separate administration supported by Haftar’s military forces.
The division has complicated efforts to establish unified national institutions.
Despite these challenges, regional and international diplomatic initiatives continue to seek a political settlement.
Türkiye hosts reunification talks
The Niger-Libya agreement comes as Türkiye pursues diplomatic efforts to encourage cooperation between Libya’s rival administrations.
Turkish officials said Ankara recently hosted discussions involving military representatives from eastern and western Libya.
Diplomats also participated in the meetings.
According to a senior Turkish official, the talks focused primarily on bringing Libya’s separate military structures together.
Political reunification is expected to be discussed at a later stage.
However, no final agreement has been announced.
The parties reportedly agreed to continue discussions.
Ankara calls for unity
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has emphasised the importance of bringing Libya’s rival institutions under a unified national framework.
Speaking on Friday, Fidan indicated that the time had come to advance efforts towards reunification.
He identified the integration of military units operating under separate commands as a central challenge.
Türkiye has maintained close relations with the Tripoli-based government for several years.
However, Ankara has also expanded diplomatic engagement with eastern Libyan authorities.
This approach has allowed Türkiye to maintain communication with both sides.
Regional cooperation expands
Niger’s agreement with eastern Libya highlights the growing importance of regional diplomacy as Libya’s political divisions continue.
The memorandum could create opportunities for further cooperation between Niamey and Benghazi.
However, the practical scope of the agreement remains unclear.
At the same time, Türkiye’s discussions with Libya’s rival administrations represent a separate diplomatic effort aimed at national reunification.
Both developments demonstrate continuing engagement with Libya’s political and military leadership.
For now, the outcome of these initiatives will depend on future negotiations and the implementation of any agreements reached.
Efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and restore unified institutions remain important to Libya’s long-term stability.