All traffic on the Ounianga - Kufra route has now ceased, the only route still used between Chad & Libya is the Faya - Sebha piste along the western side of the Tibesti. Even the camel trade takes this much longer route. The situation in Kufra is unclear, the local Zuweya and Tibu have been peacefully killing each other for the past 3-4 years, with the occasional militia pickups from Benghazi coming down to fire a few rounds to separate them. The grapewine suggests that there is a lucrative illicit trade passing through the SE corner of Libya and Kufra between rebel-held Darfur and Benghazi, with migrants going one way, arms etc. the other.
In Chad you need an "Autorisation de Circuler" to travel anywhere outside N'Djamena, and no, you cannot get one to continue North to Libya (and you need a very good story to go anywhere North of Faya / Fada). The Chadian military has strong presence in the North, and the chances of slipping past them in violation of your permit is pretty slim.
To sum it up, perhaps attempting Ounianga - Kufra at present is not the best idea, but if you do give it a go, and make it through without getting in to the news, I'll be happy to pay for a pint or two to hear the story.
PS: Sam, where did you go? We were at Uweinat last month from Sudan, it was a perfect trip.
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