A Tunisian lawmaker has accused masked Libyan security elements of arbitrarily detaining around 15 Tunisian citizens near the Libya–Tunisia border, triggering renewed concern over border security practices and the treatment of civilians moving between the two countries.
Tunisian Member of Parliament Ali Zaghdoud, who represents the border city of Ben Guerdane, said on Friday that the Tunisian nationals were detained for several days without formal charges, clear accusations, or publicly declared legal procedures.
In a parliamentary statement, Zaghdoud described the incident as alarming and strongly condemned what he called serious and dangerous violations.
According to the MP, the detained individuals are ordinary pedestrians with no involvement in smuggling, fuel trafficking, trade, or other illegal activities.
He stressed that the absence of charges or due process makes the incident an act of arbitrary detention that violates basic legal standards and human rights, adding that such actions undermine the dignity of Tunisian citizens.
Zaghdoud linked the incident to broader tensions surrounding the Ras Ajdir Border Crossing, which has witnessed repeated disruptions on the Libyan side in recent weeks.
He noted that congestion, prolonged delays, and intermittent closures have severely affected the daily lives of residents in Ben Guerdane, many of whom rely on cross-border movement for work, trade, and family ties.
These disruptions, he said, have intensified frustration and feelings of injustice in an already sensitive border region.
The Tunisian lawmaker called on the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Tunisian Ministry of Interior to intervene urgently through diplomatic channels with Libyan authorities.
He urged them to clarify the circumstances surrounding the detentions, ensure the protection of Tunisian citizens, and prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Beyond the immediate case, Zaghdoud appealed for a comprehensive approach to addressing the long-standing challenges facing Ben Guerdane. He argued that relying solely on security measures has proven insufficient and called for economic and social development policies that provide real opportunities for young people in the border city.
Ras Ajdir, located about 30 kilometers from Ben Guerdane and roughly 180 kilometers from Tripoli, remains a critical lifeline for communities on both sides of the border, making stability and lawful conduct there essential for regional calm.
