Tunisian security forces have arrested Najmuddin Al-Mazoughi, the General Secretary of the Tunisian Airlines Union, while he was attempting to flee to Libya through the Ras Ajdir border crossing.
According to the spokesperson for the Tunis Primary Court, Mohamed Zeitouni, Al-Mazoughi was apprehended at the border point separating Tunisia and Libya, as reported by the local radio station “Mosaïque” on Saturday.
The Tunisian radio station reported that Al-Mazoughi had been placed on the wanted list at the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Tunis Primary Court. The charges against him include forging academic certificates, facilitating and organizing prostitution, setting up premises for such activities, and accepting bribes in exchange for influencing recruitment and promotions within the Tunisian Airlines Corporation.
The border crossing between Libya and Tunisia, which was reopened at the beginning of this month after a three-month closure, saw its reopening attended by the Interior Minister of the Libyan Government of National Unity, Imad Al-Trabelsi, and his Tunisian counterpart, Khaled Nouri.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
