The Libyan Joint Committee and the European Union (EU) mission have agreed to focus their initial cooperation on enhancing the capabilities of security agencies to secure the Ras Ajdir border crossing, as well as providing technical and logistical support for maritime borders.
This decision was reached during the first meeting between the EU mission and the Libyan Joint Committee, which is responsible for supervising and coordinating cooperation with the European Union Integrated Border Management Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM).
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the activities carried out by EUBAM in the past period and the mission’s plan for the period from May 2024 to June 2025.
Both sides emphasised the importance of EUBAM’s role in providing technical and strategic advice to the relevant Libyan authorities in the fields of border security and management.
On Thursday, Libyan Interior Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Emad Al-Trabelsi, had a telephone conversation with his Tunisian counterpart, Kamal Feki, during which they agreed to reopen the Ras Ajdir border crossing. The Tunisian Ministry of Interior issued a statement detailing this agreement.
During their discussion, the ministers highlighted the urgency of resuming normal operations at Ras Ajdir and ensuring that the border remains open for travelers, facilitating easy movement between the two neighboring countries. They emphasised the strong bonds and ongoing cooperation between Libya and Tunisia, particularly in areas related to internal security and border management.
The Ras Ajdir crossing holds strategic importance as a vital link for both the Libyan and Tunisian people. Its closure on March 19 followed a directive by Al-Trabelsi and was prompted by armed clashes on March 18 when a law enforcement force arrived at the crossing.
This incident led to tensions, with the Zuwara municipality accusing the force of entering the crossing without coordination with local authorities.
On April 4, General Abdelhakim Al-Khaitouni, head of the Joint Security Chamber, announced that security at the crossing had officially been transferred to the General Staff of the Government of National Unity, marking a step toward improved management and stability at this critical juncture.