Summary:

On 18 March 2024, violent clashes between armed factions occurred near the Ras Jedir border crossing, prompting Libyan and Tunisian authorities to close their respective borders. 

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On 19 March, the Tripoli-based government announced that “outlaw” groups based in Zuwara and operating in the Ras Jedir area had clashed with security forces aligned with Tripoli. The Tripoli-based government dispatched forces to the area on a mission to disrupt smuggling operations, prompting a clash with the groups that informally manage security and black and grey markets in the area. 

On 21 March, the Tripoli-based government asserted that the border crossing would not be reopened until it was under the control of law enforcement officials under the authority of the Tripoli-based government. 

Due to the closures, both Tunisian and Libyan citizens experienced major disruptions to both economic activity and regular cross-border traffic. Border traffic has been re-routed to the Dehiba-Wazen border crossing which sits over 250 kilometers to the south of Ras Jedir. 

Outlook: 

With Libya’s political and security landscape fractured, the Tripoli-based government is keen to expand its influence as negotiations over the country’s future continue.  

However, with significant symbolism, power, and money on the table with regard to controlling traffic at Ras Jedir, efforts to disrupt the informal systems managing the area were almost certain to lead to conflict. Local groups and power brokers have far too much to lose to give up control of the crossing without a fight. 

As the border remains closed, pressure is likely to grow on all parties involved to allow operations to resume due to the economic impact on both countries, though the system of control and incentives has likely been significantly disrupted.  

The disruption of the multi-layered informal systems that manage Ras Jedir will require a period of recalibration as the various actors involved in security, smuggling, and administration re-establish their various formal and informal systems. However, demand for cross-border access and lost formal and informal revenues will likely prevent the closure from continuing for an extended period. 

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