Sunday, February 27, 2011

At the border until dawn

The night brings out a distinct border which takes seeing the last days. Under the green light from fluorescent bulbs, the Tunisian police dozing against the window of the cabin where passports are stamped. The relaxation is such that one can go through your hand, walk 50 meters to reach a blue gate open to enter a few feet, and on the ground in Libya.

In front, the Libyan checkpoint, also appears to have a lot of movement: a few men on the roof and some cars with soldiers roam at half past four in the area. Some African refugees fleeing the conflict are trying to sleep next to a wall while waiting for their turn to enter Tunisia. A few more steps and then a Tunisian police calls from the gate to be back quickly.

That's it, ten yards back to Libya and Tunisia. Even if you managed to pass the checkpoint, one would face to face with numerous police checkpoints that Gaddafi still has assets in the road to Tripoli. It is not the route to get there. The good on this side of the west to reach one of the cities taken by the opposition to the dictator, no one has discovered yet.

A group of Chinese from Libya about dragging your luggage. Serious and disciplined, even with a helmet and overalls, come in single file to a Tunisian control back where they await to be addressed. Some made the gesture of cutting his throat with his hand in token of threat when asked about what they have seen on the road.

The policeman who does not pass the border takes time for moonlighting, pulls out a wad of cash and offers to exchange refugees. China sobriety contrasts with the disruption of the Egyptians. Reach thousands and express their anger that no representative of his Government had gone to pick up or give them information on what will become of them.

The morning hides the faces of many refugees after the blankets. A gaudy parade takes bread in a tent set up by the Red Cross. Makes a cold death. The wind is installed in the bodies and forces them to shrink under the lights of the checkpoint. From a distance only see strange shapes moving slowly across the room.

With the first light of day, start to get a few curious. The Tunisians, driven by its own revolution and the events of recent days, three people on Saturday after a new outbreak of unrest, have adopted the revolt of the Libyan and Egyptian refugees protest and display their flags. "Tunisia, Tunisia," shouts the Egyptians, to thank.

A few moments later they reached the first journalists to the border. The day begins to regain his daily activity. A citizen of Bangladesh is heated in a charcoal hands as she recalls what he saw on the road. Ask where to go but of course, no response.

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