Beneath the surface of diplomatic exchanges, relations between Tunisia and Libya have often been anything but smooth. While both countries maintain essential ties, recurring disputes of varying magnitude occasionally disrupt their partnership. Among these, the demarcation of their shared border remains a point of contention—resurfacing intermittently despite previous attempts at resolution.
The issue recently gained renewed attention following a statement by Tunisia’s Minister of Defense to the Assembly of the People’s Representatives. The Minister announced the formation of a joint committee with Libya to address the border demarcation and reaffirmed Tunisia’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity.
“Tunisia will not cede an inch of its territory,” he declared, expressing concerns over land use and security near the border fence. He also pledged to visit the border region personally to assess the situation firsthand.
In a swift and assertive response, Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) moved to quell tensions. The Libyan Foreign Ministry issued a statement, reported by Libyan Express, asserting that the border demarcation issue had been conclusively resolved over a decade ago.
“A joint commission between the two countries had already addressed all border-related matters,” the statement read, emphasizing that the issue was “stable and settled” and no longer open for negotiation.
The Libyan-Tunisian border, stretching approximately 459 kilometers, has historically been a focal point in the relationship between the two nations. According to the Libyan Foreign Ministry, the existing demarcation has remained unchanged since the joint commission’s decision over ten years ago.
Despite these assurances, the renewed debate highlights the delicate nature of border-related matters in a region where territorial disputes have broader political and security implications. Whether the latest developments will reopen old wounds or reaffirm existing agreements remains to be seen.
At the core of the longstanding tensions between Tunisia and Libya lies the Bouri oil field, often described as the most productive in the Mediterranean and one of Africa’s most critical offshore energy operations.
Strategically positioned in the Tunisian-Libyan continental shelf, approximately 120 kilometers off Libya’s coast, the Bouri field is a cornerstone of the region’s energy resources.
It represents not only a vital economic asset but also a symbol of sovereignty and control over lucrative natural reserves.
Currently operated through a partnership between Libya’s Mellitah Oil and Gas Company and Italian energy giant Eni, the field boasts substantial reserves of crude oil and natural gas. Its 38 wells yield an average of 30,000 barrels of oil daily, underscoring its essential role in supporting Libya’s energy sector and broader economic stability.
The field’s immense economic and strategic value amplifies its importance in the context of regional geopolitics. As diplomatic efforts continue to address border-related disputes, the significance of Bouri cannot be overstated—it remains a focal point of contention and cooperation between Tunisia and Libya.
A decades-old territorial dispute
The strategic significance of the contested area between Tunisia and Libya triggered a four-year legal battle at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, lasting from 1978 to 1982. At the heart of the dispute were continental shelf rights, with both nations claiming access to resource-rich waters. The origins of this conflict lie in the complex territorial arrangements that emerged after their respective independence. For Libya, the issue was closely tied to its staunch view on the inviolability of borders.
In the late 1970s, as Libyan Express reports, then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi proposed a joint exploration of the continental shelf’s resources with Tunisia. However, Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba, guided by legal advisors including Sadok Belaid, opted for international arbitration instead.
At the ICJ, both countries presented contrasting arguments. Tunisia anchored its case on historical precedents and traditional fishing rights, while Libya emphasized geological evidence to support its claims.
In 1982, the ICJ delivered its verdict, upholding Libya’s sovereignty over the contested continental shelf, a decision that redrew maritime boundaries in the region. Tunisia, despite voicing concerns about the judicial process, ultimately complied with the ruling. A subsequent appeal by Tunisia was dismissed by the ICJ in 1985.
Since then, the Bouri Field, located within the disputed waters, has remained under Libyan jurisdiction and continues to be actively exploited. As noted by Libyan Express, the case highlights the intricate interplay between natural resources, territorial sovereignty, and international law in North Africa.
Recent developments, however, suggest the issue may not be entirely settled. The Tunisian Minister of Defense’s recent declaration before the Assembly of the People’s Representatives—emphasizing that “Tunisia will not cede an inch of its territory”—has reignited debates over the matter.
Nevertheless, both nations appear committed to managing the issue diplomatically. The formation of a joint commission tasked with addressing border-related matters reflects a pragmatic approach to preserving bilateral relations while safeguarding their respective national interests.
