Concerns Rise Over Treatment of Tunisian Traders by Libyan Authorities

Mustafa Abdel Kabir, Director of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, condemned the detention of over 50 Tunisians in Libya, citing confiscated vehicles and calls for action from both governments. He highlighted the need for better management of border crossings. Additionally, the Libyan Ministry of Interior reinforced its stance against smuggling amid increased detentions of Tunisian citizens.

Mustafa Abdel Kabir, the Director of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, criticized the ongoing detention of over 50 Tunisians in Libya, including two minors. He reported that Libyan authorities have confiscated more than 25 vehicles, which have been transported into Libya, with detainees held in a prison in Tripoli. Abdel Kabir urged both Tunisian and Libyan authorities to address these enduring issues, labeling them as “repeated assaults on Tunisian citizens.”

Abdel Kabir emphasized a “shared failure” in managing border crossings, highlighting that the consequences of ineffective policies are shouldered by ordinary citizens. He called for reforms that would ease travel for passengers and enhance cross-border relations. Concurrently, the Ministry of Interior of the Government of National Unity in Libya has committed to continuing anti-smuggling operations to protect the national economy and improve public security.

In a related incident, Tunisian authorities sentenced a Libyan citizen to five years in prison for smuggling 150 kilograms of couscous, provoking public outcry. This event has led to a surge in the detention of Tunisian fuel smugglers and a stricter enforcement of anti-smuggling measures, significantly impacting the dynamics of cross-border trade, as reported by Tunisian media.

The criticisms raised by Mustafa Abdel Kabir highlight serious concerns regarding the treatment of Tunisian citizens detained in Libya and broader issues related to cross-border management. Efforts by the Libyan Ministry of Interior to combat smuggling underscore ongoing tensions between the two nations. To foster better relations and secure the welfare of citizens, both Tunisian and Libyan authorities need to address these issues collaboratively and effectively.

Original Source: libyaobserver.ly