Libya has suspended movement at the Wazen-Dhehiba border crossing with Tunisia without offering any official explanation, allowing only travelers returning to their home countries to pass through.
The decision was confirmed by the head of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, Mustafa Abdel Kabir, who described the move as unexpected and lacking transparency.
The Wazen-Dhehiba crossing, located in the southern Tunisian governorate of Tataouine, serves as one of the main land links between the two countries, facilitating daily travel, trade, and essential services.
Its sudden closure has caused disruption and confusion on both sides of the border, particularly for residents and merchants who depend heavily on the crossing for their livelihoods.
Libyan authorities have not issued a formal statement explaining the reasons behind the closure or how long it is expected to last. This has raised concerns among local communities and human rights observers, particularly given the long-standing economic and social interdependence in the border region. In recent years, both Libya and Tunisia have made efforts to stabilize and coordinate cross-border traffic, but periodic disruptions continue to challenge those efforts.
The Wazen-Dhehiba route is not only a commercial corridor but also a lifeline for humanitarian cases and family visits between communities divided by the border. In past instances, closures have been linked to security measures, administrative decisions, or tensions related to smuggling and customs enforcement. However, the lack of communication in this case has drawn criticism from civil society actors, who are urging both governments to provide clarity and prioritize coordination to avoid further uncertainty.
As of now, only returnees—those heading back to their country of origin—are permitted to cross. It remains unclear whether the restriction is temporary, precautionary, or the beginning of a broader policy shift. Regional observers and border communities are closely watching for any updates from Libyan authorities.
