Tunisian traders protested against Libyan restrictions on the movement of goods, urging their government to intervene. The ban, in place since March, adversely affects small traders, many of whom rely on smuggling for their income. Tunisian officials are called upon to enforce trade reciprocity for economic recovery in border regions.
In a demonstration on Monday, numerous Tunisian traders protested outside the Bengardane municipality headquarters, located in southern Tunisia close to the Libyan border. The traders expressed their grievances regarding the ongoing suspension of their primary commercial activities, significantly impacted by stricter Libyan regulations on the movement of goods. They urged Tunisian authorities to take action, stressing the importance of preserving livelihoods for thousands engaged in cross-border trade, which serves as a critical source of income for many families reliant on the smuggling of fuel, electronics, and food products. The protesters, primarily smugglers who refer to themselves as small traders, implored the Tunisian government to adhere to a reciprocal trade policy. They asserted that the restriction preventing Tunisians from transporting goods from Libya while allowing goods from Tunisia to enter Libya was wholly unacceptable, particularly in the case of subsidized food. Tunisian Member of Parliament Ali Zaghdoud characterized the current trade climate between Tunisia and Libya as “deplorable” for the small traders. He pointed out that the cessation of trade since March has resulted in significant unemployment and precarious social conditions for many individuals in Bengardane and surrounding areas, adversely affecting their primary means of livelihood. Since the previous March, Libyan authorities have prohibited Tunisian travelers, notably vehicle owners, from transporting goods from Libya to Tunisia as a measure to combat smuggling, which has been detrimental to the Libyan economy. This restriction has compounded the challenges faced by local traders reliant on cross-border commerce.
The suspension of trade between Tunisia and Libya represents a significant economic concern, particularly for the thousands of individuals engaged in this activity. Depending heavily on cross-border trade for their livelihoods, many Tunisians have resorted to smuggling due to emerging trade restrictions. As authorities in Libya tighten regulations in an effort to combat smuggling, Tunisian traders find themselves increasingly marginalized, leading to heightened calls for intervention from their government to restore economic balance and reciprocity in trade relations.
In conclusion, the protests by Tunisian traders highlight the urgent need for intervention from local authorities to address the pressing issues resulting from restricted trade with Libya. Many families are suffering due to the ongoing suspension of critical commercial activities, emphasizing the importance of the reciprocity principle in cross-border trade. Without decisive action, the livelihoods of numerous individuals and the overall economic stability of the region may continue to decline.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
