Summary:

On 19 October 2024, representatives of the Tunisian and Libyan governments announced the resumption of cross-border trade operations at the Ras Jedir border crossing. Commercial operations at the primary land transit point between Tunisia and Libya had been halted since March after internal disputes over who will control the border coincided with Libyan plans to upgrade the facility. 

New facilities have been opened on the Libyan side after the creation of a special corridor dedicated to commercial traffic. 

Meanwhile, the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), which is a Libyan government agency responsible for internal security, has announced intensified patrols along the Libyan-Tunisian border. 

The SSA stated that this measure is in line with the aim of combatting cross-border crimes such as arms and drug smuggling, and the infiltration of terrorist elements. 

In the meantime, a Tunisian patrol of the customs guard unit in Ben Guerdane thwarted an attempt to smuggle a sum of foreign currency, estimated at more than 624,000 euros, which was in the possession of a foreign citizen. 

Outlook: 

The resumption of trade at Ras Jedir is likely to relieve Tunisian families in the south who depend on trade with their Libyan neighbors and small businesses that typically benefit from trade with the Libyan market.  

The reopening of the crossing point for commercial vehicles will also contribute to Tripoli’s efforts to relaunch its economic development and export its products to Tunisia. 

However, without a permanent security agreement with the local tribes of El-Zouara, who formerly exerted significant control over the Ras Jedir crossing point, there is the risk of disruptions and security challenges.  

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