Call to Action: Citizens of Ben Guerdane denounce Libyan Passage Taxes

Dissatisfied Citizens and Traders in Ben Gardane

Tuesday, January 9, 2024, Ben Gardane was the scene of a demonstration movement organized at the intersection of the Arab Maghreb. Citizens and traders assembled to voice their displeasure with the persistence of taxes inflicted by the Libyan authorities at the Ras Jedir border post. These taxes consist of a levy of 30 dinars for each vehicle entering Libyan territory and 15 dinars for each pedestrian.

A Broken Agreement

This tax system was initially applied by both parties, Tunisia and Libya. Nevertheless, during a visit by former Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed to Ras Jedir, an agreement was attained with the Libyan authorities to cancel these taxes on both sides. Following this agreement, Tunisian customs declared the abolition of this tax for travellers entering Tunisia via Ras Jedir, but the anticipated reciprocity from Libya never materialized, despite several announcements of their intention to do so.

Call for Reciprocity

Confronted with this situation, the demonstrators in Ben Gardane called on the interior ministers of the two countries this Tuesday to activate this decision and show reciprocal treatment. Residents and traders in this border region are feeling the repercussions of this unilateral tax measure on their daily lives and commercial activities.

This situation underscores the economic issues at the Tunisian-Libyan borders, highlighting the necessity for more effective cooperation and coordination between the two nations to guarantee a fair and beneficial border crossing for both parties.