On Monday, a group of Tunisian traders gathered outside the Bengardane municipality, located near the Libyan border, to protest the ongoing suspension of cross-border trade with Libya. The protesters, mainly small traders involved in the informal economy, are demanding that Tunisian authorities pressure Libya to lift the restrictions on the movement of goods.
The traders, whose livelihoods depend on smuggling fuel, electronics, and food products between the two countries, called for the Tunisian government to find solutions to support thousands of workers affected by the trade freeze. They also urged authorities to enforce reciprocity, protesting the Libyan ban on Tunisian goods while continuing to allow the import of Libyan products.
Tunisian MP Ali Zaghdoud described the situation as “deplorable,” highlighting the economic hardship faced by small traders, particularly in towns like Bengardane, where many have lost their primary source of income. The disruption began in March when Libyan authorities imposed restrictions on the transport of goods by Tunisian travelers, as part of efforts to curb smuggling activities that have been impacting Libya’s economy.
