Silence on Libyan border closure

The Sudanese government is yet to make any official comments after the Libyan authorities closed its borders with four southern neighbours (Sudan, Algeria, Niger and Chad) in response to deteriorating security in the region. The Libyan parliament voted to temporarily seal the country’s borders on Sunday. The decision, which was approved by 126 votes, also declared the provinces of Ghadames, Ghat, Obari, Al-Shati, Sebha, Murzuq and Kufra as “closed military regions” subject to "extraordinary measures.” Chief of Sudanese Journalists Dr Mohiuddin Tetaoy said the decision would have a positive effect on the situation in Darfur. Armed militants have used the border for launching military operations from inside Darfur recently. The Libyan move comes just days after Prime Minister Ali Zeidan toured Niger, Mali, Chad and Sudan for talks focusing on border security. Zeidan has called for further discussions at a to-be-announced regional summit. The parliament also ordered the Defence Minister to appoint a military governor to the southern region with executive power, enabling him to control borders, arrest wanted individuals and prevent further infiltrations.