Libya-Tunisia: Tunisians pressure for resumption of cross-border trade

Several Tunisian traders protested outside the Bengardane municipality headquarters, located near the Libyan border in southern Tunisia, to voice their frustration over the ongoing suspension of their primary commercial activities.

The protestors are angry about the tightening of goods movement by Libyan authorities, which has severely disrupted cross-border trade.

The protesters, many of whom identified as small-scale smugglers, called on the Tunisian government to take action and address the plight of thousands of workers dependent on trade between the two countries. This activity, which includes smuggling fuel, electronics, and food, has been a vital source of income for many families in the region for years.

The demonstrators are demanding that Tunisia adopt a policy of reciprocity, arguing that it is unacceptable for Libyan authorities to block the flow of goods from Libya to Tunisia while still allowing the transfer of Tunisian goods, including subsidized food, to Libya.

Tunisian MP Ali Zaghdoud described the situation as “deplorable,” particularly for the “small traders” who have been left unemployed and struggling due to the disruption of trade. He emphasized that the halt in trade, which began last March, has plunged many in Bengardane and other nearby towns into severe economic hardship.

Since March, Libyan authorities have banned Tunisian travelers—particularly those driving cars—from transporting goods into Tunisia. This action is part of Libya’s broader campaign against smuggling, which has been detrimental to its own economy.