The Speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, voiced a firm stance against hosting foreign military bases on Libyan soil. In an interview with RIA News, he emphasized that Libya should not allow foreign troops to establish bases within its borders. His position centers on national sovereignty and the belief that security can be ensured without foreign base facilities.
Saleh underscored that the only viable path for Libya at this time is not the deployment of bases but rather the strengthening of mutual experience sharing and military-technical cooperation with other states. He argued that practical collaboration in defense and security matters should focus on exchanging expertise, training, and technology rather than inviting foreign militaries to establish a permanent foothold in the country.
As the head of one of Libya’s two de facto governments, based in Sirte, Saleh’s comments add a significant voice to the ongoing debate over foreign military presence in Libya. His leadership role in the eastern political framework continues to influence discussions on Libya’s strategic orientation and security partnerships.
The Libyan parliament recently called for Western ambassadors to depart the country, citing their support for Israel during the conflict with Hamas. This move highlights the delicate balance Libya seeks between international diplomatic engagement and claims of impartiality in regional security matters.
The statement from the Libyan Assembly emerged amid broader discussions about delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, a topic that has provoked considerable international attention and debate within Libyan political circles. The timing of the parliament’s declaration reflects the intersection of diplomatic stance, humanitarian concerns, and security considerations facing the country.
Separately, discussions at the security level involved Nikolai Patrushev, the former secretary of the Russian Security Council, who held talks with Ibrahim Bushnaf, Libya’s National Security Advisor. The dialogue between Patrushev and Bushnaf signals ongoing dialogues at high levels about security cooperation and regional stability, though the Libyan leadership reiterates a cautious approach to foreign basing and an emphasis on domestic capability and technical collaboration. These exchanges illustrate Libya’s broader engagement with international partners as it seeks to chart a path that preserves sovereignty while pursuing practical defense-related partnerships.