News: Sub-Saharan migrants expelled in Sfax, Tunisia
Tensions persist in Sfax, Tunisia’s second city, where nearly 500 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa have been expelled by security forces. This expulsion follows a security campaign launched by the authorities against illegal migrants.
Last Sunday, security forces evacuated a square in downtown Sfax where around 500 migrants were gathered. According to the spokesperson for the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), an NGO that closely monitors migration issues in Tunisia, migrants have been dispersed in small groups to rural areas or other cities.
This expulsion is a continuation of the Tunisian government’s policy towards sub-Saharan migrants. Following a speech by President Kaïs Saïed on illegal immigration in February, many migrants lost their jobs and homes in Tunisia. Acts of violence were recorded and thousands of migrants were repatriated to their countries of origin by their respective embassies.
In July, hundreds of migrants were expelled from the city of Sfax and sent by security forces to a desert border area with Libya. Unfortunately, at least 27 migrants lost their lives and 73 are missing in this expulsion operation.
This new wave of expulsions arouses indignation among certain human rights organizations, who denounce the risks faced by migrants in their quest for a better life. They call on the Tunisian authorities to find more humane and sustainable solutions to welcome migrants and help them integrate.
It is essential to recognize that the issue of immigration is complex and that there are no easy solutions. However, it is important to ensure that the fundamental rights of migrants are respected and that alternatives to expulsion and violence are found. International cooperation and solidarity between countries can play a key role in managing this issue.
In conclusion, the expulsion of sub-Saharan migrants in Sfax raises important questions about migration policies and the reception of migrants in Tunisia. It is necessary to find solutions that guarantee respect for human rights and promote the integration of migrants into Tunisian society.