Tunisia and Libya strengthen border cooperation amid tensions
A picture taken on September 17, 2021, shows cars queuing to cross into Tunisia through the Libyan Ras Jdeir border crossing, after the two neighbouring North African countries reopened their border crossing following a two months closure as Tunisia's coronavirus caseload soared. - Libya shut its land border and suspended flights between the two countries on July 8 citing the explosion in Covid-19 cases in Tunisia. But with the caseload rapidly dropping, officials on both sides agreed to reopen the frontier after Libyan transitional Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah met Tunisian President Kais Saied in Tunis on September 9. (Photo by Mahmud TURKIA / AFP)
During an event marking the tenth anniversary of the 2016 attack in the border city of Ben Guerdane, Tunisian Interior Minister Khaled Nouri announced new cooperation agreements with Libya aimed at supporting development in border regions, as reported by Libya Review on March 8th.
The Ben Guerdane attack took place on March 7th, 2016, when militants affiliated with Islamic State attempted to seize control of the city.
Tunisian security forces and the military ultimately repelled the assault after intense clashes across the area. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of 36 militants, 12 members of the security forces, and seven civilians, while 27 others were injured.
The new cooperation announced by Nouri aims to promote economic growth and improve living conditions in border communities, which often face both development challenges and security pressures.
Officials believe that stronger cooperation with neighbouring countries could help stimulate local economies, create opportunities for residents, and reinforce stability in areas historically vulnerable to security risks and cross-border crime.
As early as March 2025, Tunisia’s Minister of Trade, Samir Obeid, revealed plans for a joint initiative with Libya and Algeria to develop border regions while eliminating parallel trade and smuggling networks.
However, despite repeated commitments from North African governments to curb illicit trafficking across their borders, security challenges persist.
On March 7, Algerian authorities announced that they had intercepted and seized a shipment of weapons originating from Libya.
The latest discussions on managing the Tunisia–Libya frontier follow Tunisia’s confirmation of extending its military buffer zone along the Libyan border.
On July 30, the restricted zone was renewed until August 2026. The buffer zone was originally established in 2013 to counter threats, including arms trafficking, terrorist infiltration, and irregular migration.
While tensions remain along the frontier, Tunisia and Libya have simultaneously sought to deepen economic cooperation. In October 2025, the two countries signed agreements aimed at expanding bilateral trade, attracting foreign direct investment, and diversifying exports, building on already significant economic ties.
The situation remains complex and is closely linked to Libya’s prolonged political crisis. The country remains divided between rival authorities based in the east and west, complicating efforts to stabilise the region and coordinate security policies.
This fragmentation has also been highlighted by Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, who has repeatedly described the situation as a political stalemate.
On March 5th, the United Nations Security Council reiterated its support for the political roadmap presented by Tetteh in August 2025, which aims to move Libya toward a comprehensive political settlement and eventually national elections.
Libya Review, Maghrebi.org
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