Eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar is violating Libya’s truce and so cannot be expected to respect the ceasefire called between his forces and pro-government troops, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.
Despite efforts by Turkey and Russia, Haftar abandoned talks on a ceasefire in Moscow this month and his blockade of Libyan oilfields overshadowed a summit in Berlin last week aimed at agreeing a permanent truce. His Libyan National Army (LNA) faction aims to capture the capital, Tripoli, through the backing of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Russian mercenaries and African troops. Turkey meanwhile backs Fayez al-Serraj’s internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). Speaking during a visit to Algeria, Erdogan said Libya “should not be allowed to turn into a playground for terrorist organisations and warlords”. Fighting has abated in the past weeks but picked up at the weekend in southern Tripoli, where artillery could be heard, a Reuters reporter said. More than 150,000 people have been displaced by the months of fighting. Before leaving for Algeria, Erdogan said Haftar’s forces had repeatedly violated the ceasefire, adding that international support for the LNA was “spoiling” Haftar.
“At this point, we need to see clearly what Haftar’s identity is. He is a man who has betrayed his superiors before as well,” Erdogan said. “It is not possible to expect mercy and understanding from someone like this on the ceasefire.” “He’s continuing attacks with all his resources. However, he will not be successful here.” Erdogan’s visit follows a trip he made last month to Tunisia. Last week the foreign ministers of countries bordering Libya met in Algiers amid concerns that the conflict would embolden militant groups. Libya has had no stable central authority since the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. It has had two rival governments, in the east and the west, for more than five years, with streets controlled by armed groups.
Turkey has said Haftar must choose a political solution to the conflict and has urged foreign powers to press him to accept a truce. It has also sent military advisers and trainers to help the GNA fend off Haftar’s assault on Tripoli. Ankara has said that it will abide by a United Nations arms embargo on Libya as long as the ceasefire is maintained, but has said it could also deploy troops if necessary.