Summary:

On 10 June 2025, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) accused Marshall Khalifa Haftar’s eastern Libyan forces of conducting joint military operations with the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF). SAF alleged that Haftar’s forces participated in operation along the shared border between Sudan, Libya, and Egypt. 

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The SAF also stated that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) supported the attack which it says constitutes a blatant aggression against Sudan aimed at controlling the border region. 

Libya’s eastern government denied these accusations stating that an SAF faction attacked its military patrol along the borders while it was conducting “its legitimate duty to secure the Libyan side of the border.” 

The SAF previously accused Haftar of providing logistical support and weapons to the RSF through its 106th Brigade prompting the Libyan authorities to summon the Sudanese Consul General to protest these statements. 

Outlook: 

The recent accusations against Haftar’s forces are likely to worsen tensions between eastern Libya and the Sudanese Army. These tensions, as well as the conflict with Chadian opposition in the south, are likely to oblige Libya to increase its military presence and surveillance in its eastern and southern regions along the borders. The government in Tripoli is likely to emphasize the SAF’s accusations and their negative reflection on Haftar as a means of undermining the eastern government.  

The Haftar-supported government risks being considered responsible for destabilizing neighboring countries. This is likely to weaken its position in multilateral organizations including the African Union and may garner rebukes from western partners. 

As Russia appears to be shifting allegiances in Sudan after signing a deal with the SAF to establish a naval base in port Sudan despite Wagner’s previous support to the RSF, Haftar’s support to the SAF is likely to put it at odds with its Russian ally’s agenda in Sudan, potentially creating friction with Moscow.  

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