A Tunisian member of parliament has called on Libyan authorities to release a group of Tunisian traders who were reportedly detained at the Ras Ajdir border crossing, raising concerns about the treatment of Tunisian travelers entering Libya.
Ali Zaghdoud, a member of the Tunisian Parliament, expressed deep concern over the detention of more than 13 Tunisian citizens, most of whom are traders, on the Libyan side of the Ras Ajdir border crossing between Libya and Tunisia.
In a statement, Zaghdoud said the detained individuals are ordinary traders who were not carrying any goods that could pose a threat to Libyan national security or harm the country’s interests.
Concerns Over Alleged Mistreatment
The Tunisian lawmaker also voiced alarm over reports of alleged abuses against Tunisian citizens at the border crossing. According to testimonies cited in his statement, some travelers have reportedly faced serious violations on the Libyan side of the crossing.
These allegations include physical assault, beatings, inappropriate treatment, and cases of extortion. Zaghdoud also pointed to the long queues that travelers reportedly face on a daily basis when crossing the border.
He further criticized the conduct of groups reportedly referred to as “masked men,” claiming that such practices are unacceptable and represent a violation of the dignity of Tunisian citizens.
“These actions are unacceptable and condemned,” Zaghdoud said, stressing that they cannot be tolerated under any circumstances due to their impact on the dignity and rights of Tunisian travelers.
Call for Immediate Release of Detained Tunisians
The Tunisian MP urged Libyan officials to move quickly to release all detained Tunisian citizens and allow them to recover their vehicles as soon as possible.
Zaghdoud added that if any legal or customs violations had occurred, they should be handled through the appropriate legal and tax procedures rather than through measures that affect personal freedom or human dignity.
Importance of Ras Ajdir Crossing for Trade and Travel
The Ras Ajdir border crossing is one of the most important land gateways between Libya and Tunisia. It plays a key role in facilitating trade, cross-border commerce, and travel between the two neighboring countries.
Thousands of travelers, traders, and transport operators pass through the crossing regularly, making it a vital economic corridor for communities on both sides of the border.
However, the crossing has periodically witnessed tensions, administrative delays, and security disputes that have disrupted travel and commercial activity.
Observers say that maintaining smooth operations at Ras Ajdir is crucial for supporting bilateral trade and strengthening relations between Libya and Tunisia, particularly for small traders who rely heavily on cross-border commerce.
Calls for improved coordination between authorities on both sides of the border have increased in recent years in order to ensure security while also facilitating legitimate travel and economic activity.
