High-level Egyptian intelligence delegations visit Dabaiba and Haftar

May 17, 2023 | International actors

On 17 May, Government of National Unity (GNU) Prime Minister Abdul Hameed Dabaiba met with a high-level Egyptian intelligence delegation to follow up on the work of the Egyptian-Libyan joint committee, which was formed following Dabaiba’s visit to Cairo and meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi two years ago. According to the GNU, a separate meeting with GNU representatives covered the launch of construction and infrastructure projects by a consortium of Egyptian companies, as well as the facilitation of entry visas for Libyan citizens and other points of cooperation. Another high-level Egyptian security delegation reportedly visited eastern powerbrokers the week before in an attempt to mediate disagreements that have emerged between Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar, House of Representatives (HoR) Speaker Aguila Saleh and Government of National Stability (GNS) Prime Minister Fathi Bashaagha, resulting in Bashaagha being suspended as GNS PM on 16 May. Egyptian sources indicate that Cairo is concerned that conflicting agendas and interests could result in destabilisation on Egypt’s western border. It comes as tensions between Haftar and Cairo remain high over the latter’s alleged support (whether direct or not) to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), in Sudan.