The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Libya has announced the distribution of food items, winter jackets, and other necessities to 650 individuals on the Libyan-Tunisian border.
According to a statement by the IOM, these efforts were a collaborative initiative between its office, the United Nations (UN) team in Libya, the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Libya, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
IOM pointed out that it provided food items, mattresses, children’s clothing, blankets, winter jackets, kitchen tools, and hygiene supplies to over 650 people in Al-Assah region on the border between Libya and Tunisia.
Days ago, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior in Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Munim Al-Arabi, announced plans to crack down on fuel, human, and drug smuggling at the Libyan-Tunisian borders.
In a statement, Al-Arabi affirmed that the ministry would unveil the social cover of smugglers at the borders, coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office to establish the rule of law.
He emphasised that the Ras Jedir border crossing, and the Al-Assa border area shared with Tunisia are fully operated under the supervision of the Port Security Directorate and the Border Guard Service of the Ministry of the Interior.
Al-Arabi highlighted that all technical, service, and security aspects on the Libyan side are prepared to reopen the Ghadamis-Dabdab border crossing, with Algeria.
On Thursday, Libya’s Presidential Council members, Abdullah Al-Lafi and Mousa Al-Koni, hosted a high-level security meeting aimed at fortifying the nation’s borders with Tunisia and Algeria.
The meeting was also attended by key figures such as Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbaiba, the Chief of the Libyan Army’s General Staff, the Head of General Intelligence, and the Head of Internal Security.
During the talks, the attendees discussed ways of reinforcing the security and military posture, along the critical border regions. A step seen as vital to the nation’s stability and regional relations.
Libya, emerging from a decade of conflict and political instability following the 2011 uprising that toppled Moammar Gaddafi, faces significant challenges in securing its vast and porous borders.