The French Embassy in Libya confirmed that the military vessel “La Loire” completed port calls in Tripoli and Benghazi between September 18 and 29 to reinforce maritime ties between the two nations.
France and Libya strengthen naval cooperation near Russian military bases
The mission took place under the joint “SeaBorder” security initiative, which aims to protect Mediterranean waters and mitigate regional threats.
During the vessel’s stay in Tripoli, French officials emphasized the importance of securing shared maritime areas, which the embassy described as “vital to energy supplies to France and Europe“.
According to Libya Observer, Diplomatic officials added that joint activities focused on countering several security hazards, including “marine pollution and illegal fishing, as well as criminal networks involved in arms, drug and human trafficking“.
Russia expands airbases in Libya while U.S. monitor regional risks
This naval deployment follows reports that Russia is increasing its armed presence across North Africa.
As reported by Business Insider Africa, Russian forces are “rapidly accelerating its efforts to strengthen its military footprint in Libya by expanding operations across six strategic airbases”.
These airbases include the Jufra, Al-Khadim, Ghardabiya, Brak Al-Shati, Maaten Al-Sarra, and Tamanhint airbases, with Al-Khadim located roughly 100 kilometers east of Benghazi.
Business Insider Africa noted that the “United States is carefully watching how Russia moves weapons and fighters across Africa.”
“U.S. Intelligence reports found the six aforementioned air bases in Libya. African Defense Forum also pointed out that one important base near the borders of Chad and Sudan allows Russia to ship arms to Sudanese or Chadian territory quietly.”
This year has witnessed a remarkable increase in the interest shown by world powers in African military affairs.
France, despite its fallout with the Alliance of Sahel States (including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger), has also been able to maintain a strong relationship with Libya.
This sparked the collaborative “SeaBorder” maritime security project to counter common threats in the Mediterranean.
Source: africa.businessinsider.com
