Russia operating from Libyan base in bid to secure political position
Russia are allegedly renovating an unused airbase in southern Libya, in a bid to strengthen and secure their military and economic position in Africa.
According to The New Arab on January 28th,The Mataan al-Sarra Airbase in southeastern Libya could potentially host a large number of Russian forces in a bid to create a trade and military corridor from the Mediterranean into Africa.
The comes after reports by intelligence outlet EekadFacts released satellite imagery of Mataan al-Sarra on January 27th, showing the presence and expansion of Russian forces at the base.”The developments [at Maaten al-Sarra] are consistent with Russia’s strategy to establish multiple military bases in Libya, positioning them as a central hub for the African Corps command,” EekadFacts stated.
“Given its strategic location, the rehabilitation of Maaten As-Sarra Airport likely fits into Russia’s broader plan to enhance its influence in Africa through Libya.”
Gaddafi’s overthrow created political splits between Libya’s eastern and western factions, with Russia aiming to increase their influence in Libya by putting their support behind the House of Representatives, which is backed by Khalifa Haftar’s LNA.
Russia used their infamous Wagner Group mercenaries to aid Haftar’s failed attempt to overthrow the UN-backed, Government of National Salvation (GNS), a move thwarted only as a result of Turkish military intervention.
Experts have suggested Russia’s main focus will be to use Libya as a base and gateway into Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, where it grapples to usurp French influence.
Russia are also thought to be supporting Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against Sudan`s army, though other reports have suggested that Russia could be backing both sides.
It has also been suggested that the renovations are moving so quickly due to the loss of Russian military bases in Syria after Assad’s fall.
However, in a statement to The New Arab, Anas El Gomati, Director of Libyan think tank the Sadeq Institute, suggested that while Russian loss of influence in Syria is a definitive part of in Russia’s control of the airbase, it is not the only factor
“Matan al-Sarra isn’t just another airbase renovation, it’s Russia repositioning its chess pieces in Africa,” El Gomati stated
El Gomati explained the fact that Haftar are allowing Russia to use the Libyan airbase as “classic mutual interest politics.”
However, Russia’s interest goes far beyond Libya, as has been seen in their control of other Sahel countries. El Gomati explained how Russia are creating “free trade zones” throughout the region, that function as legal smuggling corridors.
The New Arab
