Naji Barkat, the Head of the Coordination of Parties and Blocs, has recently made a bold statement accusing former and current Prime Minister’s Fayez Al-Sarraj and Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, of selling Libya to Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This comes in light of Erdogan’s affirmation of Turkey’s presence in Libya, which Barkat interprets as a form of colonization, rather than friendship.
To fully grasp the weight of Barkat’s accusations, it is essential to delve into the history of Libya’s political landscape, and its ties with Turkey. Al-Sarraj served as the Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA), from 2016 to 2021, while Dbaiba is the current Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Libya has been a significant point of interest for Turkey, particularly since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The political vacuum that followed resulted in a protracted civil war, with various factions vying for control. Turkey was a staunch supporter of the GNA, providing military assistance to help the government fend off attacks from the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by General Khalifa Haftar.
Erdogan has been very vocal about Turkey’s role in Libya, emphasizing the strategic importance of the country in the Mediterranean. Turkey’s involvement in Libya is multifaceted, extending from military support, to significant economic interests, particularly in the energy sector.
Critics, however, view Turkey’s presence in Libya as an opportunistic move to exert influence and control, over the country’s resources. Barkat’s statement reflects this sentiment, accusing Al-Sarraj and Dbaiba of facilitating Turkey’s agenda in exchange for political support.
Naji Barkat’s message is a call to action for Libyans. He urges the people to “wake up to the reality of Turkey’s dominance in the country,” implying that the “sovereignty of Libya is at stake.”
Barkat’s assertion that “Erdogan reveals the Turks in Libya are not friends but colonizers” is a direct challenge to the narrative that Turkey’s involvement in Libya is beneficial.
If Barkat’s accusations gain traction, they could potentially stir nationalistic sentiments among Libyans, leading to increased scrutiny of the relationships with Turkey. This could result in a shift in the political landscape, with more pressure on the current government to reassess its alliances and policies.
His bold accusations highlight the complexity of Libya’s political situation, and its international relations. While Turkey’s support was crucial for the GNA in its battle against the LNA, the long-term implications of this alliance are subject to debate. Barkat’s statement adds to the discourse, urging Libyans to reflect on their country’s sovereignty, and the role of foreign powers in shaping its future.
The people of Libya are now at a crossroads, needing to navigate the challenges of rebuilding their nation, while maintaining independence and control over their destiny. Barkat’s call to action serves as a reminder that the path forward “requires vigilance, reflection, and a steadfast commitment to the principles of sovereignty and self-determination.”