On Thursday, Libyan Interior Minister of the interim Government of National Unity (GNU) Emad Al-Trabelsi held a telephone conversation with his Tunisian counterpart, Kamal Feki, during which, they agreed to reopen the Ras Ajdir border crossing. This agreement was detailed in a statement from the Tunisian Ministry of Interior.
During their discussion, the ministers underscored the urgency of returning to normal operations at Ras Ajdir and ensuring the border remains open for travelers, facilitating easy movement between the two neighboring countries. They highlighted the strong bonds and ongoing cooperation between Libya and Tunisia, particularly in areas related to internal security and border management.
The Ras Ajdir crossing is of strategic importance, serving as a vital link for both the Libyan and Tunisian people. Its closure on March 19 followed a directive by Al-Trabelsi and was precipitated by armed clashes on March 18, when a law enforcement force arrived at the crossing.
This incident led to tensions, with the Zuwarah municipality accusing the force of storming the crossing without coordination with the local authorities.
On April 4, General Abdelhakim Al-Khaitouni, head of the Joint Security Chamber, announced that security at the crossing had been officially transferred to the General Staff of the Government of National Unity, marking a step toward better management and stability at this critical juncture.
The anticipated reopening of Ras Ajdir, crucial for trade and movement between Libya and neighboring countries, reflects broader efforts to stabilize the region amidst Libya’s challenging political landscape, marked by divisions and a lack of consensus on government leadership.
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The planned reopening of Ras Ajdir is a hopeful sign of progress toward greater stability and economic integration in the region. It represents a critical step forward in Libya’s journey towards resolving its prolonged crisis, offering a pathway to enhanced security, governance, and prosperity.
