Militias Share Smuggling Cake at Ras Jedir Crossing
Observers see the formation of a joint force comprising militias supported by the Dbeibeh government as evidence of state collapse
Conflict escalates between Libyan factions in the western region over the Ras Jedir border crossing between Tunisia and Libya to share influence, especially in smuggling, where observers describe the formation of a joint force comprising militias supported by the Temporary Government of National Unity as evidence of state collapse.
Political analyst Kamel Merash said that Prime Minister Dbeibeh’s announcement of “forming a force composed of militias to control the crossing is a true expression of the state’s loss of regular military institutions,” emphasizing that the agreement to form a joint force between Zuwara’s components and the General Staff in the western region to impose security at Ras Jedir crossing is part of the conflict over the smuggling cake and pressure to reach a solution that involves sharing the enormous smuggling profits.
Merash said that power sharing is evident through the recruitment of certain militias and the exclusion of others, emphasizing that the step is taken “to confine the benefits of smuggling to certain militias that hastened to respond to Debaiba’s call to avoid missing out on sharing the smuggling spoils,” stressing that the agreement will guarantee non-conflict.
He emphasized that Zuwara militias will eventually acquiesce to sharing smuggling, as they cannot confront the force that has already reached Ras Jedir, explaining that “negotiations are now underway on the sharing ratio and how to control the crossing.”
The Presidential Council intervened in the crossing crisis, where council members Musa Al-Koni and Abdullah Al-Lafi inspected security operations and support for security agencies at the crossing.
The council said in a statement posted on Facebook, “Accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Mohammed Al-Haddad, and a number of military leaders, they were received by the Chamber President, Sadiq Farhat, and the Deputy Minister of Transportation, Wisam Al-Idrisi, and the officers responsible for security operations at the crossing.”
The Presidential Council intervened in the crossing crisis, where council members Musa Al-Koni and Abdullah Al-Lafi inspected security operations and support for security agencies at the crossing.
The council said in a statement posted on Facebook, “Accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Mohammed Al-Haddad, and a number of military leaders, they were received by the Chamber President, Sadiq Farhat, and the Deputy Minister of Transportation, Wisam Al-Idrisi, and the officers responsible for security operations at the crossing.”
The former spokesman for the Presidential Council, Mohamed Salak, according to statements reported by “Libya 24”, said that reaching an understanding between armed parties in the western region to prevent violence that was about to erupt and contain tension is a positive step, emphasizing that “the agreement reached regarding the Ras Jedir crossing is not a solution.”
He said that the crossing does not need this large number of massive formations to control it and combat smuggling but needs a limited, trained, and professional force with a well-thought-out plan and modern technology, ultimately indicating that the conflict is about trying to control smuggling outlets to exploit them for more financial and influential gain at the expense of the security and economy of Libyans.
The Libyan official expressed appreciation for the Amazigh component and Amazigh identity, representing a great history and cultural heritage, saying, “He does not see any justification for raising any flag other than the flag representing the state of Libya at the present time,” indicating that the conflict, deep down, could turn into a bitter tribal conflict.
Salak stressed “that the current situation at the crossing is a temporary solution to the crisis, which has not been fundamentally resolved to remain standing and susceptible to reigniting unless matters are settled to put an end to the exploitation of the crossing for smuggling and illegitimate gain.
The Ras Jedir crossing witnessed armed conflict, prompting the Interior Minister of the Temporary Government of National Unity, Emad Al-Tarabulsi, to withdraw employees from the Security Directorate, Police Center, Passports, and Nationality Authority from the Ras Jedir crossing, “to preserve lives and properties.”
