After years of hostility, Turkey forges ties with eastern Libya – Al-Monitor
Top Turkish officials received a prominent leader of eastern Libya this week, signaling a significant policy shift in the Libyan civil strife two years after Ankara lent military support to the Tripoli-based government against eastern forces led by Khalifa Hifter.
Aquila Saleh, who heads the eastern-based House of Representatives and is considered an ally of Hifter despite discord between the two, met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and parliament speaker Mustafa Sentop during a visit to AnkaraAug. 1-2. Abdullah al-Lafi, vice chair of Libyas Presidential Council, accompanied him on the trip.
Saleh sought support for the parliament-approved government in the east, noting that holding parliamentary and presidential elections was its priority and Turkeys backing was important to achieve peace and stability in Libya. Sentop, for his part, stressed Turkey saw Libya as an inseparable whole and did not discriminate between regions. The Turkish parliaments Libya Friendship Group is planning a visit to Libya, including the east, he said.
Power struggles have kept Libya fractured since the warring parties sealed a cease-fire deal in 2020. The country ended up with two rival governments after plans to hold elections in December 2021 failed. The Saleh-led parliament appointed a new prime minister Fathi Bashagha in March, but the head of the internationally recognized interim government in Tripoli, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, refused to cede power before elections. Bashagha has been unable to move into Tripoli, prevented by armed groups loyal to Dbeibah.
Saleh has been known for his rejection of two crucial agreements that the now-defunct Government of National Accord signed with Turkey in 2019. The first allowed for the deployment of Turkish troops to train and support Libyan forces, while the second delineated maritime borders between the two countries as Ankara sought to strengthen its hand in gas exploration disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean. Thus, Ankaras embrace of Saleh is underlain by hopes of convincing the House of Representatives to ratify the agreements.
Turkeys invitation to Saleh and his eventual trip to Ankara stemmed from changing dynamics in Libya that have forced the parties to adjust their postures.
Ankara could ill-afford continued hostility with eastern Libya after the opposing parties engaged in talks on forming a unity government and reunifying Libyan institutions under a roadmap resulting from the UN-sponsored agreement they signed in Geneva on Oct. 23, 2020. In a sign of a new beginning, Turkeys parliament created a friendship group to advance ties with its Libyan counterparts in April 2021. And after the emergence of a rival government in eastern Libya, Ankara sought to preserve an appearance of neutrality in the crisis. In fact, neither of the contenders was objectionable to Ankara. Dbeibah was already an ally, while Bashagha, who had worked closely with Turkey while serving as interior minister in Tripoli during the Turkish-backed defense of the capital against Hifters forces in 2019 and 2020, raised hope he could help Ankara reconcile with the east.
Turkeys ambassador to Tripoli, Kenan Yilmaz, met with Saleh in al-Qubah in January and verbally invited him to visit. Later that month, he traveled to Benghazi, Hifters stronghold, accompanied by Turkish businessmen. In his meetings there, Yilmaz discussed a number of prospects, including the return of Turkish entrepreneurs to eastern Libya to finish projects interrupted by the war and assume new ones, the reopening of the Turkish consulate in Benghazi and the resumption of Turkish Airlines flights to the city. In June, the envoy delivered Sentops official invitation to Saleh. Turkey, he said, attributed great importance to the visit in terms of discussing all aspects of our ties and other political issues.
Nevertheless, Turkeys rapprochement with the easterners does not mean it has withdrawn its support for Dbeibah. Such a move, the argument goes, would make it easier for Bashagha to enter Tripoli and take control of the government. Despite having its own agenda in Libya, Turkey has been careful to be in rapport with the United States and Britain. Washington has been pressing for elections without going into debate on which government is the legitimate one. Free and fair elections are the only means to establishing a national government with legitimacy, US Ambassador to Tripoli Richard Norland said after a meeting with Libyas foreign minister last week.
In an interview with Al-Monitor, Mohamed Eljarh, director of the consultancy firm Libya Desk, said he had been told by aides of Saleh that Saleh's mission in Ankara [was] very clear: to convince the Turkish government to support and recognize Bashagha. He added, For Saleh, if no progress is achieved on that goal, there will be no progress on any other file, including the constitutional track or elections.
While the prospect of Ankara dumping Dbeibah appears unrealistic at present, Eljarh said, I believe Ankara only continued to recognize and somewhat support Dbeibah as a negotiationand bargaining chip. In his current status, Dbeibah cannot offer much to Turkey. Also, Turkey is very interested in normalizing relations with eastern Libya, and Dbeibah cannot offer them that. Bashagha is better positioned to offer an opening for Turkey in eastern Libya through his alliance with Saleh and Hifter.
And could Saleh step back from his rejection of Ankaras two deals with Tripoli? According to Eljarh, The success of Saleh will depend on what he could offer the Turks, including normalization of relations and the potential for guarantees on respecting the maritime and security agreements signed with Turkey.
Whether Salehs dialogue with Ankara has Hifters blessing remains unclear. There has been speculation that Hifter has reverted to his own plans after Bashaghas failure to assert control in Tripoli and secure access to the central banks coffers and that his relationship with Saleh is deteriorating.
In mid-July, Dbeibah replaced the veteran head of the National Oil Corporation (NOC), Mustafa Sanallah, after which Hifters forces swiftly ended a three-month blockade of several oil fields and terminals. Some media outlets reported claims that Hifters son Saddam and representatives of Dbeibah had secretly struck a deal for Sanallahs removal and the reopening of oil terminals, which would call Hifters support for Bashagha into question.
Asked about Hifters position on Salehs trip to Ankara, Eljarh said, This is not really clear to me, to be honest. Hifter has been playing his own game recently, away from the alliance with Bashagha and Saleh. [Hifter and Dbeibah] made a deal on the NOC, but it is not clear if it will translate into a bigger political deal. So, for now, Hifter is still in the political alliance with Bashagha and Saleh, but also entertaining some cooperation and deals with Dbeibah. Double game.
As for the balance between various militia forces in Tripoli, there have been certain shifts in Bashaghas favor, but Dbeibah being the man controlling the money taps retains the loyalty of groups paid by the Interior Ministry.
On July 21-22, Tripoli was rocked by deadly clashes between the Deterrent Forces, known also as RADA, and the Presidential Guard, both affiliated with government bodies. The fighting resulted in RADA expanding its influence zone. The leader of the Presidential Guard asserted allegiance to Dbeibah, while RADA was noncommittal.
Some believe Bashagha might seize on the clashes to enlist the support of armed forces in Tripoli, including RADA. Interior Minister Khaled Mazen, a former aide of Bashagha, was dismissed for failing to stop the fighting. The 444 Brigade, affiliated with the Defense Ministry, was accused of siding with RADA instead of trying to halt the clashes. Forces from Zintan loyal to Usama Juwaili, a military commander supporting Bashagha, were deployed near Tripoli during the fighting. Back in June, Tripoli saw similar clashes between militia backing Bashagha and those loyal to Dbeibeh.
Go here to see the original:
After years of hostility, Turkey forges ties with eastern Libya - Al-Monitor
- Syrias challenges are even greater than those Libya faced in 2011 - Chatham House - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Libya's warring factions agree to form unity government to end deadlock - Africanews English - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Briefing on Libya - United States Mission to the United Nations - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Exclusive | Russia Withdraws Air-Defense Systems, Other Advanced Weaponry From Syria to Libya - The Wall Street Journal - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- LBC organising a trade delegation to Romes Libyan Italian Business Forum in February 2025 - Libya Herald - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- UN announces plan to address political impasse, overdue elections in Libya - Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Fallout of Assads ouster in Syria ripples down the Mediterranean to Libya - Yahoo News UK - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Libya: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) urges scaled-up support to Sudanese refugees amid growing numbers and escalating needs - Social News... - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Closely following situation of Indian workers in Libya: Ministry of External Affairs - The Hindu - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Libya parties hold talks in Morocco to resolve divisions - Middle East Monitor - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- After Fleeing Syria, russia Will Try to Take Foothold in Libya Where the 3rd Civil War Can Break Out Any Moment - Defense Express - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Russia withdraws air defense systems and other weaponry from Syria to Libya - RBC-Ukraine - December 20th, 2024 [December 20th, 2024]
- Can Syria avoid becoming another Libya or Iraq? A week after Assads fall, here are 3 possible futures - The Conversation Canada - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- UN announces initiative to overcome political deadlock in Libya - The Associated Press - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- Libya Economic Monitor : Stabilizing Growth and Boosting Productivity (Fall 2024) [EN/AR] - ReliefWeb - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- Libyan Air Ambulance announces receipt of two Bell 429 helicopters - Libya Herald - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- UN announces initiative to overcome political deadlock in Libya - OODA Loop - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- AU, Government of Rwanda and UNHCR in joint rescue of asylum seekers and refugees in Libya - African Union - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- Russia Moves Air-Defense Systems, Other Advanced Weaponry From Syria to Libya - MSN - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- EU hosts Berlin Process Economic Working Group Co-Chairs in Tripoli: Economic stability and a unified budget discussed - Libya Herald - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- UN announces initiative to overcome political deadlock in Libya - wnky.com - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- Libyas oil, gas and condensate production continues to rise: NOC - Libya Herald - December 18th, 2024 [December 18th, 2024]
- Planning Ministry and USAID sign agreement to strengthen Libyas planning and development frameworks - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- After Assad: Iran's path in Syria and the lessons of Libya - IranWire | - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Family of murdered photojournalist Anton Hammerl bring case against Libya before United Nations Human Rights Committee - Doughty Street Chambers - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- The Northwestern Regions of Libya Affected by Severe Weather Event on 5 & 6 December 2024 - World Meteorological Organization WMO - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Why Is Russia Expanding Its Military Presence In Libya? OpEd - Eurasia Review - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Restrictions on 1,800 Libyan bank accounts in Malta lifted another bank to follow soon - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa: Libya - Flash update #1 - Floods (As of 10 December 2024) - ReliefWeb - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Russia, facing loss of Syrian base for Africa operations, seen turning to war-torn Sudan or divided Libya - bne IntelliNews - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Libya announces the launch of the National Water Security Strategy formulation process - UNDP - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Ministry of Interior holds second meeting with the Mini Dublin Group to enhance security cooperation - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Use of card and e-payments on the increase helping to resolve Libyas bank cash liquidity problem - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Libyan Express receives its new Boeing 737 at Tripolis Mitiga airport - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Libya and Japan to form joint technical committee to prepare enhanced industrial cooperation work programme - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- LBC participates in the Libyan French Oil and Gas Forum in Tunis - Libya Herald - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Libya to Offer 22 New Oil and Gas Blocks in Upcoming Public Tender - Energy Capital & Power - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- 37 young men held hostage in Libya after being lured to Italy - Prothom Alo English - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Libya: Elections Are Only Solution to the Situation in the Country (Head of GNU) - AL24 News - December 12th, 2024 [December 12th, 2024]
- Libya signs contract with UAE for gene therapy treatment of children with spinal muscular atrophy - Libya Herald - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Egypts exports to Libya reach $1.25B in first 8 months of 2024 - Egypt Today - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Libya signs economic cooperation agreement with Tunisian think tank IACE - Libya Herald - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Libyas crude oil and condensate production exceeds 2024 target by 22,000 barrels: NOC - Libya Herald - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Libya's Berniq Airways takes delivery of first A330-200 - ch-aviation - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Libya signs health Cooperation Protocol with Japan - Libya Herald - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Spanish Embassy to hold a Flamenco concert in Tripoli at the former Kings Palace - Libya Herald - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- Aldabaiba to support increased oil and gas production through development projects - 22 new exploration plots to be tendered - Libya Herald - December 8th, 2024 [December 8th, 2024]
- FRANCE 24 in Libya: Rebuilding Murzuq and Sebha after years of war - FRANCE 24 English - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Over 160 Somali Migrants Assisted to Return Home from Libya - EEAS - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Financial Officer in Medical Supply Organisation detained for wrongly spending LD 1.5 billion - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Libya's coast guard has intercepted and returned nearly 21,000 migrants in 2024 - InfoMigrants - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Tripoli Transport Minister seeking to activate Transit Roads to Niger and Sudan - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- OPEC Raises Oil Production Thanks To Libya's Contributions - Finimize - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- NOC discusses with international oil companies the expansion of their investments in Libya - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Libyan and Russian ministries of health sign cooperation agreement in development, training and experience exchange - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Libyas total oil production increases by another 5,377 bpd: NOC - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- UNSMIL to facilitate inclusive youth political dialogue in Tripoli on 11 December - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Libya will launch licensing round soon after 17-year hiatus - Upstream Online - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Libyas oil production exceeds 1.4 million barrels per day the highest since 2013 - Libya Herald - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Royal Marines medics train personnel in Libya for first time in ten years - Royal Navy - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Armed men in speedboats make off with women and children when a migrants' dinghy deflates off Libya - Yahoo! Voices - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- The International Exhibition of Traffic Safety and Security Equipment: Benghazi 18 to 20 January - Libya Herald - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- Sands of Time: Unraveling 8,000 Years of Human History in Libya - SciTechDaily - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Libya: France will continue to provide its support for the essential work of the ICC - France ONU - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- African Development Bank and the Government of Libya Sign Agreement to Strengthen Public Financial Management through support of FAPA - African... - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- NOC reports further oil and gas production increases - Libya Herald - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Libya: Every day we die a thousand times: Impunity for crimes against humanity in Tarhouna [EN/AR] - ReliefWeb - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- LFB, Bank UBAE Italy and Simest hold meeting to strengthen banking operations in Libya - Libya Herald - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Libya Food 2025 will be held in Tripoli Fairgrounds from 26 to 29 January - Libya Herald - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Second Libya International Mining Forum and Exhibition (26 to 28 November) ended in Benghazi - Libya Herald - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Congo/Libya : Sassou to visit Libya for first time in 13 years - Africa Intelligence - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Aldabaiba reviews progress of Tripoli International Airports first terminal expected to be completed mid 2025 - Libya Herald - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Democracy is the only way forward for Libya: Aldabaiba to Libyan youth - Libya Herald - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- NOC says it succeeded in laying first building blocks of partnership with the private sector - Libya Herald - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Sold Out Libya Business Fair was an inspiring event that underscored the strengthening of UK-Libya partnerships - Libya Herald - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Finland to receive Afghans, Congolese, Syrians, Venezuelans and evacuees from Libya under refugee quota - Valtioneuvosto - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- From Iraq, Libya To The United States - Women Across The World Pushed Back In Time - Outlook India - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Libya: Authorities must drop plans to impose compulsory veiling amid wider crackdown on morality grounds - Amnesty International - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Bulgarian Libyan trade in first eight months of 2024 up to more than USD 337 million up from USD 173.9 in 2023 - Libya Herald - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Libyas oil production reaches a new record level of 1.374 million bpd: NOC - Libya Herald - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]