Russia wants to prevent resumption of black gold production in Libya

General view of the Charara oil field in Libya, December 3, 2014. REUTERS / Ismail Zitouny

Text by: Mathieu Galtier Follow

Russian mercenaries have been stationed since Thursday, June 25, near the Charara oil field, the largest in the country. The Libyan National Petroleum Company denounces foreign interference in a strategic sector. Russia seeks to counter Turkey's growing influence in Libya.

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From our correspondent in Tunis,

Russian fighters took their headquarters in agricultural land, 3 km from the entrance to the Charara oil field, according to several local sources. It is out of the question for the Russians to take control of the country's largest oil installation which can produce up to 300,000 barrels per day.

Rather, it is to ensure that the Tuaregs who control the site do not rally to the government of national unity in Tripoli to the detriment of Haftar.

For Moscow, which does not make the marshal a central part of its game in Libya, the interest is above all to ensure that the oil site remains at a standstill, as has been the case almost continuously since 2019.

Russia, which is a major producer of black gold, can thus keep a major competitor at bay. By having an eye on Charara, the country also has an advantage in its negotiations with Turkey , Tripoli's main ally on the sharing of influence of Libya .

Read also: On the ground, Libya divided into two zones of Turkish and Russian influence

Nearly 300 vehicles have left the Libyan capital in recent hours to try to regain control of the oil sites. Local populations fear a displacement of the clashes from the west to the south of the country.

► Read also: Libya: concern over a possible regional escalation

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  • Libya
  • Oil
  • Russia

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