TRIPOLI – A mobile phone trader in Tripoli, Libya, has finally taken delivery of a shipment of Nokia handsets ordered in 2010, ending a 16-year wait caused by the country’s protracted civil war.
The phones arrived at his shop on Jan 12, marking the end of a decade-and-a-half logistical odyssey for the businessman.
The unusual event quickly went viral on social media after he recorded an "unboxing" video, entertaining netizens while highlighting how conflict can disrupt daily life and transform old technology into collectible items.
Local media reports stated that the trader had been waiting for the shipment for over 15 years.
The handsets were originally scheduled to arrive before Libya’s political tensions escalated, leading to the outbreak of civil war.
The delay has turned the phones into a symbol of patience and an ironic relic in the modern digital age, where the specific models are now considered obsolete for standard use.
The unboxing video, which captures the trader’s astonishment and delight, has gained international attention, with users worldwide sharing and commenting on the surreal situation.
“After waiting for 16 years, the phones have finally arrived. I never thought this would happen.
“This situation reminds us that conflict can paralyse not only a country, but also the smallest aspects of daily life,” the trader said in the video.
Technology commentators stated that the incident highlighted the profound impact of war on global logistics and supply chains.
In this instance, the disruption even altered the perceived value of the product; phones once considered ordinary have now become sought-after collector’s items due to their age and the extraordinary journey they took to reach their destination.
Since the video surfaced, netizens have praised the trader’s perseverance, with many jokingly comparing the durability of the vintage Nokia models to the fragile nature of modern smartphones.
Beyond the humour, the event has raised awareness of the long-term impact of conflict on trade, proving that the scars of war extend far beyond politics and economics into everyday access to basic technology. – AGENCY