Sudan-Libya-Egypt Border Tensions Flare, Threatening Regional Instability

A clash between forces near the borders of Sudan, Libya, and Egypt in June 2025 has ignited concerns of escalating regional conflict. The incident, involving factions tied to Khalifa Haftar and Sudanese elements, highlights the complex interplay of geopolitical interests in the volatile border region.

The Spark: A Border Clash

The incident began in the morning of June 2025, when a unit from Haftar’s Salafi Peace Battalion engaged with Sudanese elements backed by their army. The skirmish was more than just a border incident. It signaled a dangerous overlap of military and geographic interests between Sudan, Egypt, and Libya, potentially drawing the conflict into a broader regional arena.

The Sudanese army accused Haftar’s forces of direct involvement in an attack by Rapid Support Forces on Sudanese military posts. The army then announced their retreat from the border triangle.

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“This is not our land.”

—Quoted Leader

The Fezzan region in southern Libya is a key strategic point that connects North Africa with the Sahara. Smuggling networks intersect with armed groups, and trade in gold, weapons, and migrants fuels these activities. According to the Small Arms Survey Center, cocaine is transferred from South America to West Africa, then to southern Libya, Chad, and Niger, and then to Algeria or Egypt, before heading to Europe and the Middle East.

Haftar’s Strategic Moves

Haftar views Sudan as both a strategic area and a vulnerable one. Since the war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces broke out in April 2023, he has sought to deepen his influence. He provided logistical support to the Rapid Support Forces, using the Salafi “Peace” battalion.

Haftar realized that securing his position in the south could provide him with the maneuverability he lacked in the broader conflict. He has moved toward Sebha, Obari, and Al-Kafra to create a corridor to Chad, Niger, and Sudan. Haftar relies on a blend of tribal alliances and agreements with local armed groups in the south.

Sudan’s Fragility

The Sudanese army described the attack as a “flagrant violation of international law” and an extension of an “international and regional conspiracy against Sudan.” This shift reflects a feeling of a serious threat during the conflict.

Haftar’s response was a calculated negation. He justified the clash, claiming to be “defending the border.” The statement by the commander of the “Peace Ways” battalion focused on targeting the Darfurian movements. The Darfur conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people. (UNHCR 2024)

Egypt’s Concerns and Haftar’s Objectives

These recent events show how Haftar behaves towards Sudan. He uses securing the borders of southern Libya from smuggling and infiltrating armed groups as a cover to expand his geopolitical influence, particularly near Chad and Sudan.

Haftar has provided a source of gold and weapons to the Rapid Support Forces. Cairo is concerned about cross-border security scenarios. Any strengthening of the Rapid Support Forces on its borders poses a direct threat to Egypt.

Egypt is expected to emphasize “restraint” and “respect for Sudanese sovereignty” without directly accusing Haftar. They will increase intelligence and military moves to prevent a recurrence of the incident, potentially pressuring Haftar through brokers to cease direct support for the Rapid Support Forces in this sensitive area.