Written question asked by Paul Beresford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 28 February 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 March 2023. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 8 March 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Libya: Wagner Group

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the presence of the Russian private military company Wagner in Libya; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The eastern-based General Haftar-led Libyan National Army has strong links to Russian Wagner Group which maintains a presence in Libya and uses Libya's open southern border as a route into the Sahel. The UK is working alongside our regional and international partners to foster long-term stability and address the drivers of conflict in Libya and the Sahel. We consistently call for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries, including Wagner, without delay through the UN Security Council and with regional partners.

Secondary information