Ali Zaghdoud, a member of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People for the Ben Guerdane constituency, stated in a statement given to Tunisia Digital that the Ras Jedir border post has, for nearly two years, been experiencing an unbalanced commercial situation, which he characterizes as ‘one-way trade’.
According to him, the difficulties faced by small Tunisian merchants at the border crossing have had a direct impact on trade with Libya and on economic activity in Ben Guerdane.
Goods are leaving Tunisia for Libya
Ali Zaghdoud explained that trucks and vehicles with trailers continue to leave Tunisia for Libya, while Tunisian small merchants face, according to his statements, significant restrictions when crossing the border.
The deputy believes that this situation has led to a decrease in the flow of goods between the two countries.
Up to five days of waiting at the border
The parliamentarian also denounced the waiting conditions faced by some travelers and merchants.
According to him, citizens can remain four to five days in queues, under high temperatures and in a context marked by the absence of several basic amenities and services.
Ali Zaghdoud attributes this situation in particular to restrictions allegedly imposed by Libyan security services on Tunisian small merchants.
A decline in the fluidity of exchanges
The deputy indicated that the long waiting periods and the difficulties recorded at the border post have had repercussions on the movement of goods and, more broadly, on trade between Tunisia and Libya.
The persistence of these difficulties particularly affects the small traders of Ben Guerdane, a region where a significant portion of economic activity traditionally depends on cross-border trade via Ras Jedir.
An ‘important economic slowdown’ in Ben Guerdane
Ali Zaghdoud stated that this situation has caused an ‘important economic slowdown’ in Ben Guerdane.
He explained that the local economy remains heavily tied to cross-border trade, while the region lacks, in his view, economic alternatives and development projects capable of reducing this dependence.
Call for intervention by the Presidency of the Republic
The deputy recalled having warned several times about the consequences of this situation.
“We have warned repeatedly about this situation and asked the Presidency of the Republic to intervene in order to unlock Ben Guerdane and to find a solution with the Libyan side,” he said.
Call to activate the Tunisian-Libyan agreements
Ali Zaghdoud also called for the implementation of the agreements concluded between Tunisia and Libya and for the activation of the Tunisian-Libyan Joint Commission.
According to him, these mechanisms could help mitigate the consequences of the crisis, facilitate border exchanges, and improve the conditions for merchants and citizens passing through.
The deputy, however, stressed that, despite the various calls for a coordinated solution with the Libyan side, “the crisis continues to this day”.
