On 22 August, militias from Zuwara blocked the road to the Ras Ajdir border crossing near Abu Kammash from nightfall. That same evening, the Zuwara military leadership declared a state of alert for all troops. The Zuwarans demanded the withdrawal of all troops sent by the Government of National Unity (GNU) from the Ras Ajdir area. They said any armed force approaching the administrative borders of Zuwara is a legitimate target and will be attacked without warning.
On 24 August, militias from Zuwara again demanded the withdrawal of ‘GNU troops’, which they describe as ‘unofficial’, and the return of ‘official’ authorities to work at the border crossing. The road to the Ras Ajdir border crossing remained blocked with earth walls at Abu Kammash. Emergency vehicles, diplomats and ‘special emergencies’ are allowed to pass.
There was also a sit-in by residents of Zuwara protesting against the ‘false promises’ of PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba. He had promised a radical solution to the electricity problem, the repair of the desalination plant, the completion of the Zuwara General Hospital and the withdrawal of all armed formations ten days after the opening of the border crossing.
On 26 August, the road to Ras Ajdir near Abu Kammash was still blocked. In Zawiyya, several militias under Othman al-Lahab mobilized their troops in the evening. They are to be moved to al-Assah (south of Ras Ajdir).