1 Tunisian killed in fresh border clashes

The Governor of Tunisia’s Medinine region has claimed an unknown gang of Libyans pursued and shot at Tunisians in a fresh spate of border clashes near the town of Ben Gardane, killing one and injuring another. The deceased allegedly smuggled goods between the countries, according to a Medinine local government source. The incident comes in the immediate wake of a landmark “social contract” signed by the Tunisian government, the Tunisian General Labour Union [UGTT] and the Tunisian Union for Industry, Commerce and Handicrafts [UTICA] on Monday. The treaty aims to combat smuggling and black market trade, two practices blamed for the recent deterioration in the Tunisian economy. Tunisian authorities fear the latest unrest could reignite locals following a period of relative calm in Ben Gardane, which lies on the border between Libya and Tunisia, after four days of violent protests against border closures. Central Security headquarters and Ennahda party offices were both torched during the demonstrations. Residents claim the nearby Ras Jadir crossing is the centre of economic and social life in the border region, and closures are damaging locals’ livelihoods. Tunisia’s Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali has meanwhile announced he will meet with a delegation from Ben Gardane, in an attempt to avoid further violence.