TUNIS (Reuters) – Tunisia has taken action in response to criticism over the living conditions of migrants in a desolate Sahara military area on the border with Libya. Local rights group, the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights, reported that the government has relocated hundreds of migrants to shelters in the towns of Medenine and Tataouine.
President Kais Saied has been grappling with a high number of migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa, who are seeking to leave Tunisia for Europe. In an attempt to address the issue, Saied has implemented measures that both local and international rights groups claim are putting lives at risk.
Ramadan Ben Omar, an official from the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights, said, “Hundreds of people who were on the Libyan border were transferred finally to shelter centres in Medenine and Tataouine towns after difficult times they spent there in the intense heat.”
As of now, the interior ministry has not responded to requests for comments on the matter.
Rights groups have revealed that the government relocated the migrants to the Libyan border following a recent outbreak of violence in the coastal city of Sfax. Clashes occurred between travelers, residents, and migrants, leading to a week-long period of unrest during which one Tunisian was killed. Residents voiced complaints about disorderly behavior from the migrants, while the migrants reported racist harassment.
In recent months, thousands of undocumented migrants have flocked to Sfax with the goal of embarking on boats operated by human traffickers, resulting in an unprecedented migration crisis for Tunisia.
According to data from Europe’s border agency, irregular migration to Europe has increased by 12% this year. However, the central Mediterranean region witnessed a more than doubling in attempted crossings, with Tunisia playing a significant role.
President Saied’s crackdown on sub-Saharan African migrants residing illegally in Tunisia has contributed to a sharp rise in attempts to flee to Europe. Earlier this year, he alleged a conspiracy to change the racial makeup of Tunisia, which was followed by reports of racist attacks and an increase in the number of Black Africans seeking to leave for Europe.
Tunisia now faces pressure from European countries to prevent migrants from departing from its coasts. European nations are contemplating providing financial support to Tunisia in order to aid the economy and address the migration issue.
(Reporting by Tarek Amara Editing by Frank Jack Daniel)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
