On 30 July, Max Gallien published with The Middle East Eye an analysis of the recent tensions between Libya and Tunisia at the Ras Jedir Crossing Point. Ras Jedir has now been closed for more than 10 days following security concerns on the Libyan side and protests on the Tunisian side. According to Gallien, the standoff at the crossing point results from the impacts of smuggling on the two different sides. On the Tunisian side, smuggling creates a vibrant economy, necessary for the survival of marginalized Tunisian populations, while on the Libyan side it contributes to worsening the severe economic crisis. As a result, it has become highly difficult for Libyan and Tunisian authorities to reach an understanding on how to manage the crossing point and smuggling. The situation highlights the importance to create economic alternatives to the smuggling network, Gallien concludes.Click here to read more.
The economic nature of the Ras Jedir malaise