Summary:

On 7 October 2024, Libyan security units supervising the Ras Jedir crossing postponed the resumption of commercial traffic moving between Tunisia and Libya due to the incomplete construction of truck lanes in the commercial section of the crossing.

The resumption of the commercial traffic was discussed last month after it had been suspended since March 18 following a decision by Libyan authorities in light of armed clashes between Tripoli’s security forces and Zuwara-based militias who were vying for control of the crossing.  

Libyan authorities later justified the suspension by citing the ongoing infrastructure repair work. 

The director of Ras Jedir, Abdul Salam Al-Baraki, confirmed in a statement that trade movement between Libya and Tunisia will resume through the crossing starting October 19. 

The Ministry of Interior of the Tripoli-based government issued several instructions to drivers, including not installing an additional fuel tank, and paperwork obligations for exporting goods. 

Outlook: 

Tripoli’s aim to contain informal trade and cut revenues of opposing militias has continued to hinder the resumption of commercial trade for several months.  

The disruptions of traffic at Ras Jedir will likely continue to push smuggling traffic to Tunisia’s western border with Algeria.  

The interruption of trade flows between Tunisia and Algeria has resulted in estimated losses of 180 million dinars and could cost up to 300 million dinars if the suspension continues, according to data provided by the Arab Institute of Business Leaders. 

The suspension is devastating for small Tunisian businesses that primarily export to Libya and for families in southern Tunisia who rely on trade with or employment in Libya. While Tunisian pressure to resume traffic will continue, internal political, security, and financial issues must be resolved before commercial operations can be reliably resumed.

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