The UN envoy to Libya Abdoulaye Bathily said in his final stop in Libya’s southern neighbours, Niamy, he had a series of meetings with Niger’s leaders including the President, Ministers of Defence and Interior and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss peace and stability in Libya and the region.

Bathily added on Twitter that he had a meeting with the President of the Republic of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, who commended the UN’s efforts to stabilize Libya at this critical time, as well as expressed his support to the Libyan people in their quest for peace and stability.

“I briefed President Bazoum on the progress made on the security track including efforts to rid Libya of foreign fighters and mercenaries. I also updated him on the political developments in Libya, including efforts to hold elections this year.” Bathily said.

He also said that he had met with the Minister of Interior and Public Security, Alkache Alhada, in Niamy and discussed the important progress made by the Liaison Committee of Libya, Niger, Chad and Sudan, under the supervision of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC).

Bathily said the discussions covered progress in data sharing mechanisms for the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters, as was committed to in the recent Cairo and Tunis meetings.

“I met as well with Niger’s Minister of National Defense, Alkassoum Indattou. We reviewed the coordination mechanisms supporting the work of the 5+5 JMC committee to facilitate systematic withdrawal of Nigerien mercenaries and fighters from Libya. We also discussed the importance of enhancing border security between Libya and Niger to prevent cross-border trafficking and criminal activities which negatively impact the national security of both countries and the entire region.” Bathily further explained on Twitter.