The Tunisian and Libyan presidents, Kaïs Saïed and Mohamed El-Menfi, discussed the issue during a phone call in early September. They emphasized the need to facilitate the flow of people and goods across the border, which is crucial for the economies of both countries. The border region has long been an important economic hub, with a significant informal market.
The border between Tunisia and Libya has been a vital economic lifeline for both countries, with a large informal market where people and goods move relatively freely. The Tunisian customs authority has noted that bilateral trade is facilitated by conventions aimed at easing the movement of goods while controlling sensitive products for security or health reasons.
A report by CapMad, an English-language website, highlighted the economic significance of facilitating cross-border movement. It noted that the ease of movement is not only important for migration and security but also for formal and informal trade, which is vital for communities in southeastern Tunisia and western Libya.
The two presidents agreed to intensify consultations to dismantle obstacles to cross-border movement. According to the Tunisian presidency, they stressed the need for fluid exchanges in both directions, in a regional context they described as critical. The Tunisian presidency also emphasized that fraternal relations between the two peoples should take precedence over other considerations in managing the border.
The phone call between the two presidents also provided an opportunity to reaffirm Tunisia's position in favor of a Libyan-led solution that preserves the unity and territorial integrity of Libya. The Tunisian president expressed his confidence that the Libyan people have the capacity to find their own political compromises to guarantee their security and stability.
A joint Tunisian-Libyan customs commission met in May 2026 to strengthen cooperation, activate a twinning agreement on training, and intensify coordination against smuggling and organized crime. This technical dynamic provides a foundation for the political commitments reiterated by the Tunisian and Libyan presidents.
The facilitation of cross-border movement is seen as crucial for the economic well-being of both countries. The Tunisian presidency has emphasized that the security of each country is inextricably linked to that of the other. The agreement to intensify consultations has been welcomed as a positive step towards easing tensions and promoting economic cooperation between Tunisia and Libya.
Key points
- The Tunisian and Libyan presidents have agreed to intensify bilateral consultations to remove obstacles to the movement of people and goods across their shared border.
- The border region has long been an important economic hub, with a significant informal market where people and goods move relatively freely.
- The facilitation of cross-border movement is seen as crucial for the economic well-being of both countries.
