The Soumoud caravan, a Tunisian initiative for supporting Gaza launched on June 9 and having crossed Libya, is in the process of return to Tunisia.
After having wiped blockages and arrests in East Libyan, the convoy resumed the road this June 18 in the direction of the border post of Ras Jedir, for a progressive arrival on Tunisian soil
Arriving in Libya in early June, the caravan benefited from a favorable reception, especially in Tripoli, where the population offered logistics and fuel support. However, its advance was arrested in mid-June near Syrte by the Eastern Libyan forces, authorized to oppose the convoy and having carried out arbitrary arrests.
Coordination denounced a human blockade, marked by deprivation of water, food, telephone disturbances, and the arrest of participants, including bloggers.
Wednesday, June 17, eight activists – including Tunisians, Algerians and Libyans – were released, followed shortly after by other detainees, following negotiations between coordinators and local authorities. This lifting of detentions conditioned the secure return of the caravan to Tunisia.
The convoy left Zliten in the morning of June 18, stopped in Tjoura for lunch, then to Joud Daïm in the evening for a dinner and a discussion. The crossing of the Franco-Libyan post of Ras Jedir was scheduled on the night of June 18 to 19. At dawn, the caravan must take a southern north route through Tunisia, ranging from Ben Guerdane via Gabès, Sfax, Sousse and Tunis, where a final rally is planned. A press point will be held at the UGTT in Tunis on Friday June 20 to take stock of this journey.
The Soumoud caravan, integrated into the “Global March to Gaza”, was symbolic to denounce the Israeli blockade and to send humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Despite the refusal of the Egyptian authorities to authorize the transition to Rafah, the initiative highlighted North African solidarity while highlighting the political and security constraints encountered on its career.
