Tunisia has witnessed big rent increases as a result of the displacement of thousands of Libyans from southern Tripoli since the beginning of clashes on April 4.
Being the closest destination for western Libyans, Tunisia received thousands of people fleeing the frequent clashes since the start of turmoil in 2011.
The border towns of Ben Gardane, Djerba, and Medinine were the most affected with the events, seeing continuous rent hikes based on the supply and demand mechanism. Those Tunisian border towns are expected to see more displaced Libyans in the coming months.
Rents have risen by about 20 percent, currently ranging between TND 40-80 ($13-26) per day depending on the location and size of the apartment.
After previous crises in Libya in 2011 and 2014, several hundred thousand people fled across the border from Libya to Tunisia. While Tunisians welcomed the newcomers back then, their country now has a sluggish economy and many Tunisians are disillusioned with all the reforms instituted since the revolution in 2011. Now may not be the best time to test Tunisia’s solidarity.
Libya has remained beset by turmoil since long-serving leader Muammar Qaddafi was ousted and killed in the 2011 uprising.
Since then, the country has seen the emergence of two rival governments: one in eastern Libya, with which the Libyan National Army is affiliated, and another in Tripoli, which enjoys UN recognition.
