Turkey seeks two-year extension for military deployment in Libya

Turkey is seeking parliamentary approval to keep its military forces in Libya for another two years, arguing that continued involvement is critical to preventing renewed conflict and protecting regional stability, as reported by The Libya Observer on December 15. The request underscores Ankara’s assessment that Libya’s fragile calm could unravel without sustained international engagement.

In a motion submitted by the presidency and signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish government asked lawmakers to extend the mandate for troops deployed in Libya by 24 months. The document reviews Libya’s political and security trajectory since 2011 and emphasizes Turkey’s position that developments in the country have direct implications beyond its borders.

The motion highlights Ankara’s support for United Nations-led initiatives aimed at stabilizing Libya, including efforts backed by UN Security Council resolutions. These initiatives focus on preserving Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, maintaining a permanent ceasefire, advancing political dialogue among Libyan parties, and ultimately holding free and fair elections.

According to the document, the prolonged political impasse and governance difficulties, stemming largely from the failure to organise elections, risk destabilizing the current situation. Turkish officials warn that such uncertainty could erode the existing calm and generate broader security threats.

Libya and Turkey have steadily deepened cooperation across diplomatic, economic, military, and development sectors, underscoring Ankara’s expanding role in the country’s reconstruction and political engagement.

This has included the reopening of Turkey’s consulate in Benghazi, high-level meetings aimed at resolving stalled commercial agreements, and new infrastructure contracts awarded to Turkish firms, as well as the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.

In parallel, the two sides have held talks on defence and naval cooperation, explored collaboration in renewable energy, and discussed the future of existing maritime arrangements, reflecting a multifaceted partnership that extends well beyond Libya’s security.

Turkey’s military presence in Libya is grounded in bilateral agreements between the two countries, particularly those covering security and military cooperation. The motion also points to longstanding political and economic ties as a foundation for Ankara’s involvement.

Parliament’s approval would allow Turkey to continue its deployment as part of what it describes as a broader effort to support peace and stability in Libya while safeguarding regional security interests.

The Libya Observer, Maghrebi.org