On Saturday, Libya’s Foreign Minister in the eastern-based government, Abdelhadi Al Hwaij, has called for the full reactivation of the Essien land border crossing with Algeria, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, restore state presence in the south, and improve cross-border cooperation.
Al Hwaij chaired a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Benghazi to discuss the future of the crossing and the broader strategy to improve Libya’s southern border management. Attendees included senior ministry officials and representatives from the Essien post, including the crossing’s General Director Twati Abzaj, Protocol Office Head Mbarek Anbi, and several directors overseeing protocol, consular affairs, and international cooperation.
The discussion centered around removing administrative and legal barriers preventing the full operation of the crossing, specifically Resolution No. 16 of 2012, issued by Libya’s former General National Congress, which designated large southern areas, including Essien, as closed military zones.
Al Hwaij and other officials argued that the resolution is outdated and continues to restrict civilian and commercial activity in the area.
Al Hwaij emphasized that lifting these restrictions and restoring operations at Essien is a matter of national sovereignty and regional integration. He called for improving infrastructure, bolstering security, and ensuring the crossing is equipped to handle diplomatic missions, trade, and regular cross-border movement.
Officials also stressed the importance of meeting the operational needs of the Essien crossing, from security staffing to logistical supplies, as a prerequisite for effective management. The move is intended not just to revive border trade, but also to support efforts to counter smuggling, improve regional security, and foster stronger relations with Algeria based on reciprocity and respect for sovereignty.
