Traders ignited tires in the heart of Ben Gardane, voicing a strong demand for the reopening of the Ras Ajdir border crossing to resume their commercial activities. Mustapha Abdul Kabir, the Head of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, shed light on the motivations behind the protests. He highlighted the economic desperation gripping the region.
Abdul Kabir, in statements captured by Libya News 24, elucidated that the majority of the protesters either engage in cross-border trade or are employed in shops supplying goods to Libya. He pointed out that the continued closure of the crossing has thrust traders and workers into involuntary unemployment, endangering their livelihoods. Optimistically, he predicted the reopening of the crossing for individuals and goods in the coming days. This was contingent upon the Libyan side completing necessary arrangements.
Meanwhile, the municipality of Zwara has attributed the deteriorating conditions at the Ras Ajdir border crossing to the expired government of Abdelhamid Dbaiba and the Ministry of Interior. The municipality condemned what it described as orchestrated chaos serving narrow regional agendas disguised under the guise of authority structures.
Expressing severe dismay at the incidents occurring within the Ras Ajdir crossing, the municipality squarely blamed the Dbaiba government and the managing authorities of the crossing for the ensuing chaos and strife. It accused a force, masquerading as law enforcement, of storming the crossing without coordinating with the crossing’s administration or local authorities. This force allegedly assaulted security personnel and some citizens, leading to significant unrest and a violent backlash against the force.
Community Reaction and Future Outlook
The protests in Ben Gardane underscore the critical economic interdependence between Tunisia and Libya, particularly at border crossings like Ras Ajdir. The closure of such vital points not only disrupts commerce but also severely impacts the lives of those reliant on cross-border trade for their livelihood. With the potential reopening of the crossing, there is hope for a resurgence in trade activities. This provided that both Tunisian and Libyan authorities can collaboratively ensure the crossing’s smooth operation, safeguarding against future disruptions.
