Tripoli: The United Nations Support Mission in Libya has reported a significant agreement between military and security representatives from eastern and western Libya to establish a specialized study center focused on border security.
According to Libyan News Agency, members of the Joint Technical Coordination Team for Border Security, which includes two female police and army officers, participated in a two-day coordination meeting organized by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in Tunisia. During the meeting, the team proposed the formation of a study center dedicated to analyzing risks related to border security and devising practical solutions. The proposal also outlined the duties, tasks, and organizational structure of the center.
The mission cited a participant who remarked that the study center is expected to significantly bolster border security, combat terrorism, and tackle irregular migration. It aims to offer implementable solutions to border security issues, thereby supporting the enhancement of Libyan national security.
In response to a request from the Joint Technical Team for Counter-Terrorism, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya also arranged a field visit to a Tunisian land border post near the Libyan-Tunisian border. This visit was intended to foster the exchange of expertise and raise awareness of cross-border security challenges.
Ali Khalkhal from the Security Institutions Department at the mission stated, “The establishment of the study center is part of the joint coordination mechanism approved by the Joint Technical Committee for Border Security at the Benghazi meeting on 17 and 18 December 2024.” He confirmed that the next steps involve the actual establishment of joint border security centers and the commencement of their equipment, which will facilitate coordination, communication, and information exchange on border security.
Khalkhal also mentioned that the participants have agreed to reconvene next April in southern Libya to further discuss the regional coordination mechanism.