25 Jun 2024 | 12:54 PM UTC
Libya-Tunisia: As of June 25, authorities indefinitely postpone reopening Ras Ajdir border crossing following protests /update 1
As of June 25, officials postpone reopening Ras Ajdir border crossing on Libya-Tunisia border following protests on Libyan side.
The Ministry of the Interior, affiliated with the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli, issued a statement late June 24 to postpone the reopening of Libya's Ras Ajdir border crossing with Tunisia until further notice. The decision was issued after a protest organized by the Amazigh population of Zuwara closed the Abu Kamash coastal road leading to the crossing. Reports indicate that GNU Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah is meeting with a delegation from the Zuwara Municipal Council and several Amazigh tribal leaders to resolve the issue. The border remains open to emergency humanitarian, health, and diplomatic crossings.
Local militia groups, GNU-aligned security forces, and Tunisian authorities will probably maintain a heightened security presence near the border crossing over the coming days. Cross-border transport and shipping disruptions are likely for the duration of the border crossing closure. Further protests and armed clashes cannot be ruled out.
Exercise caution if operating in the area. Keep away from locations where security forces may deploy, such as open fields and unpaved roads. Consider alternative options if planning to travel or ship goods between Libya and Tunisia for the duration of the border crossing closure. Heed instructions issued by local security personnel and your home government.
The Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli closed Libya's Ras Ajdir border crossing with Tunisia on March 23 following armed clashes in the area between local militia fighters and forces aligned with the GNU's Ministry of Interior that injured at least three people late March 18. Tunisian authorities also closed the crossing from their side following the clashes. Clashes erupted as GNU Minister of the Interior Imad Trabelsi is reportedly demanding that local militias cede control of the Ras Ajdir border crossing to GNU authorities so that they can combat alleged drug trafficking and smuggling through it.
