Turkey has renewed its call for Libya’s rival factions to agree on forming a unified government and holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasised that Ankara wants Libyans to build their own roadmap to stability.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique on 15 May, prior to the recent violent clashes in Tripoli, Fidan stated that elections without a mature political process may only deepen divisions between the eastern and western camps. He said Turkey is actively working to support the formation of a consensus-based interim government capable of organising elections.
Fidan also addressed Russia’s military re-deployment from Syria to eastern Libya. “We talk regularly with Russia and our Libyan partners in the east. Our priority over the last five years has been to avoid military confrontation between east and west,” he said. Fidan warned against further militarisation, noting it would benefit no one.
On intelligence cooperation in Africa, Fidan said Turkey works closely with Libya and Algeria in combating ISIS. He also mentioned enhancing defence collaboration with Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso. However, he refrained from commenting on African nations’ partnerships with the French-led “Africa Corps,” stressing each country’s freedom in choosing its defence partners.
Meanwhile, Turkey evacuated 82 of its citizens from Tripoli amid escalating violence. The Turkish embassy organised transport from the capital to Misrata, followed by flights to Istanbul. The embassy has not announced further evacuations yet.
The latest unrest in Tripoli underscores the urgency of political reconciliation and effective governance, as regional and international actors call for de-escalation and unity.
