In Libya, Turkey’s use of the port of al-Khoms is arousing heated controversy. While the Libyan national unity government denies having granted the rights to this port to Turkey, videos showing two Turkish frigates displaying the Turkish flag entering the port have circulated on social networks.
Despite the official denial, the facts seem to contradict the statements of the Libyan government. Turkish and Libyan security sources revealed that the Libyan interim government would have ceded the port to Turkey for a period of 99 years.
The anger of the Libyans was not long in coming. Protests broke out, denouncing this alleged occupation of the port and the lying attitude of the government. Armed groups, such as Mokawama, have even announced their desire to defend themselves against “Turkish occupation”.
Turkey already has three military bases in Libya, and using the port of al-Khoms as a military base could further expand its influence in the region. Economic and military agreements were signed between Ankara and Tripoli in 2019, then revised in 2022, granting Turkey the right to explore gas in the Mediterranean.
This situation raises many questions regarding the sovereignty of Libya and the relations between Turkey and other countries in the region. Demonstrations and threats issued by certain armed groups underline the growing tensions in the region.
It remains to be seen how the Libyan government will respond to this situation and what the impacts will be of Turkey’s use of the port of al-Khoms. Through this episode, we observe once again the complex geopolitical issues that influence the situation in Libya and in the region