On August 12, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan submitted a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to the Turkish parliament concerning the status of Turkish forces currently in Libya. The agreement, which emphasizes the deepening military cooperation between the two countries, provides Turkish forces with broad legal protection and logistical support while operating on Libyan soil.
The memorandum, signed on March 1 in Antalya, builds on previous agreements, including the 2012 Military Training Cooperation Memorandum and the 2019 Security and Military Cooperation Memorandum. Turkey will support the restructuring and training of Libya's armed forces and security services in response to Libya's request for assistance, aiming to strengthen the country's defense capabilities.
One of the most notable aspects of the memorandum is the broad legal immunity it grants to Turkish forces operating in Libya. According to Article 11, any crimes committed by Turkish military personnel during their official duties or within the scope of their responsibilities will be governed solely by Turkish law. This means that Turkish personnel are effectively protected from Libya's legal system in matters related to their official duties, reinforcing Turkey's jurisdiction over its forces abroad. However, crimes committed outside official duties will fall under Libyan jurisdiction, with provisions ensuring that any penalties align with the legal frameworks of both countries.
The agreement also grants Turkish forces significant operational freedoms in Libya. Article 12 allows Turkish personnel to carry personal and service weapons and wear official uniforms while on duty, reflecting a high level of autonomy in their operations. Additionally, Article 7 grants Turkish forces unrestricted access to Libyan airspace and territorial waters, exempting them from seizure or local charges, further underscoring the operational latitude given to Turkish forces.
The MoU also facilitates logistical and operational efficiency by allowing Turkish forces to install and manage their communication systems, as outlined in Article 9. This article permits the installation of both wired and wireless communication systems, ensuring seamless coordination between Turkish units and command centers in Turkey. Moreover, Turkish forces are authorized to establish post offices, bank branches, and recreational facilities within their assigned areas, as described in Article 16.
The Libyan government has committed to providing extensive logistical support to Turkish forces, a key feature of the memorandum. Article 9 obliges Libya to cover the costs of basic services such as electricity, water, sewage, and internet at facilities used by Turkish forces, all free of charge. Additionally, Article 7 clarifies that fuel and other logistical requirements for Turkish vehicles, whether on land, sea, or air, will be provided at no cost to Turkey.
Beyond logistical support, the memorandum offers significant financial exemptions for Turkish forces. Article 14 exempts all imports and exports related to Turkish military activities from any Libyan taxes, fees, or duties. This provision ensures that Turkey can supply its forces without the financial burdens typically associated with international deployments. Furthermore, Article 8 stipulates that the costs of contracts and purchases made by Turkish forces in Libya, whether locally or from abroad, will be covered by the Libyan government, following consultations with Libyan authorities.
The Memorandum of Understanding will remain in effect for three years, with the possibility of automatic one-year renewals unless one party notifies the other of its intention to terminate the agreement.
Turkey's close ties with the Libyan government have been accompanied by an increasing military presence in the country over the years. In late 2023, the Turkish parliament approved a presidential proposal to extend the Turkish military's mission in Libya by 24 months.
Highlighting the importance of the Turkish naval presence in the region, Erdoğan stated that the government's goal is to ensure national security against potential threats, including mass migration and terrorism, through the approved proposal.
With financial support from Qatar, Turkey has been actively involved in arming, training, and supporting factions aligned with Erdoğan's government in Libya since 2011.
Turkey has even gone so far as to send Syrian fighters to Libya as mercenaries, offering them monthly salaries and the promise of Turkish citizenship for both the fighters and their families. The vetting and selection of these fighters were conducted by the Turkish intelligence agency MIT, which has collaborated with jihadist groups in Syria since 2011 with the aim of overthrowing President Bashar al-Assad.
Playing a crucial role in the military success of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) against the rebel opposition led by Khalifa Haftar, Turkey supplied weapons, ammunition, and drones, and organized Syrian mercenaries and jihadists against Haftar. Additionally, on January 2, 2020, the Turkish parliament authorized the government to deploy military forces in Libya following a security cooperation agreement.
