Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army, is in Rome to make contacts with Italian officials. He met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and may be received by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Marshal Haftar has been a key player in the Libyan conflict, particularly in the fight against extremist groups in Benghazi, Derna, and Libya’s Oil Crescent. He has also been active in the vast south of Libya, where he has been fighting against various armed groups and militias.
According to the Italian “Agenzia Nova”, Marshal Haftar is in Rome “to make contacts with Italian authorities.” He may be received by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Thursday morning. The Italian Prime Minister was in Tripoli on January 28 with the Foreign and Interior Ministers, Antonio Tajani and Matteo Piantedosi, to make initial contacts with various Libyan authorities, but was unable to travel to Benghazi where Haftar’s bases are located.
There has been no official statement from Italian authorities regarding the meeting with General Haftar. However, the visit has raised questions about Italy’s role in the Libyan conflict and its relationship with the various factions involved.
General Haftar’s visit to Rome is significant as it highlights Italy’s involvement in the Libyan conflict. Italy has been a key player in the region and has been working to stabilize the situation in Libya. However, its relationship with General Haftar and other factions has been complicated, and it remains to be seen what impact this visit will have on the situation in Libya and the broader region.