Tunisian traders protested against Libya’s restrictions on goods transfer, calling for government intervention to restore trade and support affected families. The ongoing limitations have exacerbated unemployment and economic hardship in border regions, particularly since March. Advocates emphasize the need for reciprocal trade practices to alleviate the dire situation faced by small traders.
On Monday, Tunisian traders congregated in front of the Bengardane municipality headquarters, situated in southern Tunisia near the Libyan border, to protest the ongoing restrictions imposed by Libya on the movement of commercial goods. These traders urged the Tunisian government to step in and facilitate solutions to revive their economic activities, which are crucial for the livelihoods of many families reliant on cross-border trade, including the smuggling of fuel, electronics, and food items. The demonstrators, primarily engaged in informal trade and self-identifying as \’small traders\’, have called for an enforcement of reciprocity in trade practices. They deemed the Libyan restrictions, which prevent Tunisians from transporting goods from Libya while allowing Libyan imports to Tunisia, to be wholly unacceptable. It is essential for the Tunisian authorities to take decisive action to restore equitable trade relations as a means of supporting those impacted by these measures. Tunisian parliament member Ali Zaghdoud denounced the current trade situation as \’deplorable\’, specifically for small traders. He highlighted that the suspension of commerce since March has thrust numerous individuals in Bengardane and neighboring areas into unemployment and increasingly precarious living conditions, stemming from disrupted economic activity. The Libyan decision to prohibit the transport of goods by Tunisian travelers, especially those traveling in vehicles, was introduced in March in an effort to combat smuggling, which has adversely affected the Libyan economy.
The trade dynamics between Tunisia and Libya have faced significant challenges, particularly since March of this year when Libyan authorities implemented stringent measures aimed at controlling the flow of goods across the border. The closure of this vital trade route has not only caused economic distress for Tunisian traders engaged in informal commerce but has also resulted in heightened social instability in regions reliant on cross-border economic activity. The protesters advocate for reciprocal trade policies, highlighting their reliance on such exchanges for their livelihoods.
In summary, the protests by Tunisian traders underscore the dire economic circumstances faced by those who depend on the trade between Tunisia and Libya. With increased restrictions from the Libyan government, significant efforts are required from the Tunisian authorities to restore trading rights and economic stability. The continuation of these issues threatens the livelihoods of many families and calls for urgent attention from policymakers on both sides.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
