Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sami Zaptia
Published on 2024-03-20 17:05:37
The Acting Interior Minister of Libya, Emad Trabelsi, made a bold statement after losing control of the Libyan-Tunisian Ras Jedir border crossing to local militias. He vowed to regain control of the crossing, even if it meant using force. In a meeting with the leadership of the Interior Ministry, Trabelsi emphasized the need to bring the Ras Jedir crossing back under government control, awaiting instructions from the highest authorities in the state.
Trabelsi insisted that the issue at hand was a national one, unaffected by any political or tribal tensions. The primary goal of assigning policemen to secure the crossing was to combat smuggling activities and other negative phenomena. He condemned the attack on police officers by local forces as a cowardly act aimed at disrupting security operations and perpetuating smuggling activities.
The Acting Interior Minister expressed disappointment at statements from certain cities and regions, like Zuwara, that supported the actions of the local militias and criticized the Interior Ministry. Trabelsi made it clear that the Ras Jedir crossing, as Libya’s main land border with Tunisia, would not be reopened until it was back under the state’s authority and in compliance with the law.
The recurring issue of controlling the border crossing has been a challenge for Libyan governments since the 2011 revolution. The involvement of local ethnic non-Arab Amazighs, particularly in Zuwara, has complicated the situation, as they assert their right to control the crossing.
Historically, the Ras Jedir border crossing has been a significant smuggling point, especially during the Qaddafi era, for subsidized goods like food and fuel. This not only depletes Libya’s hard currency reserves but also highlights the challenges of the Tripoli government’s limited control and influence over its territory, further exacerbated by the financial crisis and the devaluation of the Libyan dinar.
The recent clashes between government forces and local militias at the border crossing have even led to Tunisia closing its border temporarily, reflecting the regional implications of the situation. Amidst these challenges, the National Center for Economic and Social Development (NSEDB) organized a conference on Exchange Rate Fluctuations and their Effects on Economic Variables, emphasizing the need for economic reforms to address the financial crisis.
In conclusion, the struggle for control over the Ras Jedir border crossing highlights the broader issues facing Libya, including the need for sustainable economic reforms, combating smuggling and corruption, and strengthening government authority. The actions of local militias and the government’s response underscore the complex dynamics at play in the country’s post-revolutionary landscape.
Read the original article on Libya Herald
