Mustafa Abdelkebir, head of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, has criticized both Libya and Tunisia for their continued failure to effectively manage the Ras Ajdir border crossing, calling the situation chaotic and poorly coordinated.
His remarks come as Libyan authorities detained 50 Tunisian nationals and seized dozens of vehicles involved in smuggling fuel and goods, an apparent response to Tunisian authorities arresting Libyans for carrying restricted items.
The border, a vital commercial gateway between the two countries, has once again become a source of rising tensions and economic disruption.
According to Abdelkebir, the reactive measures taken by both governments—instead of structured policies—have deepened mistrust and complicated trade and travel between Libya and Tunisia.
He noted that the reopening of Ras Ajdir after past closures lacked proper planning, making it vulnerable to security breaches, smuggling networks, and diplomatic disputes.
Ras Ajdir is the largest and most significant land border crossing between Libya and Tunisia, facilitating daily commercial exchanges and the movement of goods and workers.
Libya, with its subsidized fuel prices, has long struggled with fuel smuggling into Tunisia, while Tunisia supplies Libya with consumer goods, food products, and medical supplies.
However, weak border control, inconsistent regulations, and the presence of criminal networks have turned the crossing into a hotspot for illicit trade and retaliatory enforcement actions.
Over the years, Ras Ajdir has been repeatedly closed and reopened, often due to security threats, trade disputes, or armed clashes in border areas.
In November 2023, Libya temporarily shut down the crossing, citing concerns over rising crime and poor border management. The closure severely impacted businesses on both sides, leading to protests in Tunisia, where traders depend heavily on Libyan imports.
Libyan officials have long expressed concerns about smuggling operations, with the government estimating that fuel trafficking costs Libya billions of dollars annually.
The latest crackdown at Ras Ajdir is part of broader efforts to curb illegal trade, but without a structured agreement between Libya and Tunisia, the cycle of arrests, retaliatory measures, and economic losses is likely to continue.
Despite ongoing diplomatic engagements, both countries have struggled to establish a stable and transparent framework for regulating the border.
Calls for increased intelligence-sharing, stricter customs enforcement, and a joint security strategy have grown louder, but implementation remains slow. Experts warn that unless Libya and Tunisia formalize a long-term approach to border management, Ras Ajdir will remain a flashpoint for economic instability and strained diplomatic relations.
