Haftar’s moves signal bid for greater global recognition

The recent expulsion of European diplomats from eastern Libya, an area controlled by military commander Khalifa Haftar, is being seen by analysts as a sign of his push for broader international recognition, according to AFP.

Libya remains split between two rival administrations: the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU), which is recognized by the UN and Western nations, and the Benghazi-based Government of National Stability (GNS), backed by the UAE, Russia, and a few other countries. While Western governments deal with Haftar’s forces on security matters, they have largely avoided engaging directly with the GNS.

Tensions rose during a recent EU mission to Libya to discuss irregular migration. After smooth meetings in Tripoli, the delegation was expelled from Benghazi when it refused to be photographed with GNS officials—a condition Haftar reportedly demanded.

"The Haftar family is an absolutely essential actor" in tackling irregular migration and advancing energy projects, Libya expert Jalel Harchaoui told the AFP. He said the incident was meant to signal that the eastern faction must be taken seriously.

Already influential and well-funded, the Haftars are stepping up efforts to cement their legitimacy. Haftar has met leaders including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Russia’s Vladimir Putin this year. His son Saddam has also visited the U.S., Turkey, Italy, and Niger.

Even Turkey, despite backing the Tripoli government militarily, is expanding its ties with the Haftars through business deals and hopes they will endorse a maritime deal in the eastern Mediterranean—an agreement Athens disputes as illegal.