In May 2025, Tripoli appeared on the brink of a new major bout of armed conflict following the killing of armed group commander Abdelghani al-Kikli. A summer of simmering tensions followed before a deal between the Government of National Unity and the Special Deterrence Forces emerged with Turkish mediation. In the east of Libya, Turkey’s previously antagonistic relations with Khalifa Haftar have improved markedly. This summer, the House of Representatives appeared willing to endorse the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding signed between then Tripoli government and Turkey. Growing military-military relations have also been seen in the east. Meanwhile, the engagement of Turkish companies in Libya’s economy is on the rise.
Consequently, it appears that political developments across Libya must run through Ankara. This webinar brings together analysts and experts to examine Turkey’s developing role in Libya, assess what this means for attempts to resolve Libya’s enduring conflict, and what this means for the wider international order.
- Has Turkey become the pre-eminent foreign power in Libya? To what extent can it wield influence on Libyan actors?
- How do Libyan actors view Turkey’s engagement? What do they seek from Turkey in return?
- How is Ankara likely to respond to existing diplomatic initiatives in Libya, such as those of the UN and emerging US policy under special envoy for Africa Massad Boulos?
By registering for this event, attendees agree to our code of conduct, ensuring a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming space for diverse perspectives and debate.
