Tripoli, December 24, 2025 – The President of the Presidential Council received a message of condolence today, Wednesday, from the President of the French Republic, conveyed by his envoy to Libya. This followed the tragic incident that claimed the life of the Chief of the General Staff and his companions after his plane crashed near the Turkish capital, Ankara.
In his message, the French President expressed his sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the President of the Presidential Council and to the Libyan people on the death of the Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan Army and a number of his companions, affirming the solidarity of the French Republic and its standing alongside Libya in this immense loss.
He also expressed his profound sympathy to the families of the victims, stressing France’s support for the Libyan people during these difficult circumstances.
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, located on the country’s Mediterranean coast. Historically, it was founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC and has since been ruled by the Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and Italians, serving as a major port and cultural crossroads. Its historic core, the medina of Old Tripoli, contains significant architecture from these various periods.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. The country is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the ancient Greek ruins of Cyrene and the Roman city of Leptis Magna.
French Republic
The French Republic, established in 1792 following the French Revolution, is the modern democratic nation-state of France. Its current Fifth Republic was formed in 1958 under Charles de Gaulle to provide a stable presidential system. It is founded on the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, with its capital in Paris.
Turkey
Turkey is a transcontinental nation bridging Europe and Asia, with a rich history as the heart of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Its cultural landscape is defined by iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, which has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum over its 1,500-year history. Modern Turkey was founded as a republic in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
Ankara
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, strategically located in the central Anatolia region. It was declared the capital in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, replacing Istanbul to symbolize the new, modern, and secular Republic of Turkey. The city’s history dates back millennia, with ancient roots as an important settlement for Hittites, Phrygians, and Romans.
Libyan Army
The Libyan Army is the official military force of Libya, originally established after the country gained independence in 1951. Its history has been marked by periods of reorganization and conflict, most notably during the 2011 civil war and the subsequent fragmentation of state authority, which led to the emergence of rival armed factions.
