What is France’s true role in Libya? There are many questions in this regard, especially since the beginning of Khalifa Haftar’s offensive on Tripoli in April.
The offensive, led by the eastern Libyan strongman, was heralded by warning signs. Since early this year, Haftar has achieved significant breakthroughs, allowing him to dominate the Fezzan province in southern Libya.
This position, combined with his control over most of Cyrenaica province, has made him the strongest player in Libya. But it was only after Haftar tried to carry out a plan that had been in existence for at least a year - the attempt to capture Tripoli - that he faced an unexpected counteroffensive.
Ties with the enemy
What about France? Officially, Paris is committed to supporting the internationally recognised government of Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, formed under the 2015 Skhirat deal. Based in Tripoli, the Libyan executive embodies institutional legitimacy and acts as Libya’s official representative.
But France has also cultivated strong relations with Haftar.
A significant indicator is the fact that French forces are operating under cover in Libya: 13 allegedly armed French intelligence officers were arrested in April on the Tunisian-Libyan border. According to Al Jazeera, sources said border guards discovered the group had communication devices that could be linked to Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA).
Three years earlier, three French special forces officers were killed when their plane crashed in eastern Libya while flying towards Cyrenaica.
So, while Paris may claim to be dealing with the Sarraj government, it also maintains close ties with one of its enemies. This has attracted a wave of criticism against Paris since Haftar launched his offensive on Tripoli.
France is, in fact, playing both sides in Libya. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a protector of state legitimacy, France should support Sarraj’s government.
Paris also officially supports the UN’s efforts to resolve the Libyan crisis in a way that includes all political actors, starting with Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA).
At the same time, France is dealing with one of GNA’s bitter enemies, Haftar. One of Libya’s main troublemakers, his strong financial and military resources have established his importance in the Libyan political landscape.
The logistical and financial support provided to Haftar by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and most probably Russia is no secret - and this is what strengthens him, at the expense of the GNA.
Friendly relations
It is on this basis that the nature of France’s relationship with Haftar is most relevant. Paris does not want to isolate itself from the man helping it to gain influence in Libya. This is one of the motives behind France and Italy’s tensions on the Libyan issue.
While the Italians are focusing their efforts on the GNA and confining their relations with Haftar to mere protocol visits, France seems to have a far closer and more friendly relationship with the Libyan marshal. There is no ambiguity: France is simply being pragmatic and in line with its own interests, even if it would rather avoid officially recognising this.
The challenges posed by the 'migrant crisis' are obvious, as evidenced by the many attempts to reach European coasts through Libya
The troubled relationship between France and Libya is long-standing. Since 2003 and former leader Muammar Gaddafi’s decision to forego a nuclear programme, Paris has shown a keen interest in the energy and commercial opportunities provided by the Libyan market.
The diplomatic framework followed during former president Jacques Chirac’s term reached a peak under his successor, Nicolas Sarkozy. The instigator of a strong relationship between France and Libya, Sarkozy nevertheless played a key role in bringing down the Libyan leader.
The presidencies of Francois Hollande and now Emmanuel Macron are maintaining the same course: ensuring that Paris keeps a foothold in Libya.
Security considerations
The grounds for France’s involvement in Libya have never been made clear by French diplomacy, which officially asserts general statements on France’s commitment to Libya’s stability. It is nevertheless easy to understand that some of the underlying factors in this relationship go beyond France’s commitment to the “well-being” of Libyans.
Among these reasons is the migration issue, with Libya being one of the main embarkation points for many attempts to reach European coasts. France, which is not one of the most welcoming countries for asylum seekers from Africa, is thus looking for ways to contain the migratory flows through its involvement in Libya and close links with its protagonists.