Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Faraj Abdullah
Published on 2024-03-19 17:43:43
The Ras Ajdir border crossing between Libya and Tunisia was abruptly shut down on Tuesday following orders from Emad Al-Trabelsi, the acting Interior Minister of Libya’s Interim National Unity Government. The closure took effect on Monday and is set to remain in place until further instructions are given.
Videos of the border gate showed long lines of cars stranded on either side, with one citizen pleading for the crossing to reopen to allow families, infants, elderly, and sick people to pass through during the holy month of Ramadan. The sudden closure caused inconvenience and distress to many travelers caught in the midst of their journeys.
Al-Trabelsi justified the closure by citing the need to bolster security forces at Ras Ajdir to combat smuggling and other illegal activities. He emphasized the importance of maintaining order, ensuring safe passage for travelers, and safeguarding Libya’s security interests at this critical border point. The decision to shut down the crossing was made in response to an attack by outlaw groups seeking to sow chaos and disrupt operations, according to the Interior Ministry.
The ministry condemned the attack as an unlawful attempt to undermine Libya’s sovereignty and vowed to take legal action against those responsible. It stressed the importance of maintaining state authority and legitimacy at the border, warning that any further attempts to breach the security of the crossing would not be tolerated. The incident was described as a serious violation that must be addressed promptly and decisively.
While the closure of the Ras Ajdir border crossing has caused significant disruptions, the Interior Ministry reiterated its commitment to enhancing security measures and eventually reopening the crossing. It emphasized the need for strict enforcement of laws and regulations to prevent uncontrolled activities at the border and uphold the country’s territorial integrity. The ministry’s stance reflects a determination to assert control over the border and prevent any challenges to the government’s authority.
As travelers and local communities await further developments, the closure of the Ras Ajdir border crossing underscores the challenges faced by Libya in maintaining security and stability in the region. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats posed by criminal groups and the importance of strengthening border security measures to protect national interests. Despite the current disruptions, efforts are underway to address the situation and restore normalcy at the border crossing.
Read the original article on Libya Update
