On Tuesday, the Interior Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) Emad Al-Trabelsi, and Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces affiliated with the Libyan National Army (LNA), attended the opening of SAHA Expo 2024 in Istanbul.
Their presence at the international defense and aerospace exhibition has sparked speculation about a potential shift in relations between the factions representing Libya’s divided east and west.
The two officials were welcomed by Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler upon their arrival at the exhibition venue. The meeting gained immediate attention on social media, where Libyan users circulated photos of Trabelsi and Saddam Haftar touring the expo together. This marks the first publicly acknowledged interaction between high-profile figures from Tripoli’s GNU and Benghazi’s LNA leadership.
Both officials explored various sections of the exhibition, inspecting military and security technologies on display and engaging with representatives from leading defense companies.
The event provided a platform for networking and discussions about defense products and innovations, which both factions are eager to develop. The unexpected encounter has fueled speculation about the possibility of renewed cooperation between the GNU, led by Abdul Hamid Dbaiba in Tripoli, and the LNA, under the command of Khalifa Haftar.
The public appearance of Trabelsi and Saddam Haftar in Istanbul comes at a time when Libya remains deeply divided between rival governments. The GNU controls the western region from Tripoli, while the LNA holds sway in the east, with its power base in Benghazi. Despite several ceasefires and political agreements, tensions persist, especially over unresolved disputes regarding elections, military unification, and resource management.
Turkey, which has played a key role in militarily supporting the former Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) in recent years, appears to be positioning itself as a mediator between Libya’s warring factions. The encounter at the SAHA Expo suggests Ankara’s evolving diplomatic strategy, signaling that Turkey is working to facilitate dialogue between rival Libyan factions to stabilize the situation ahead of possible elections.
The choice of the SAHA Expo for this meeting reflects Libya’s growing interest in defense and military modernization. Both the GNU and LNA have long struggled with outdated military equipment and are seeking new partnerships to boost security. Turkey’s strong presence in the defense sector offers both factions an opportunity to explore deals for advanced equipment, drone technologies, and other military capabilities.
The encounter between Trabelsi and Saddam Haftar is seen as significant, not only because of their opposing political affiliations but also because of the evolving role of Saddam Haftar in Libya’s political landscape.
