Title: Mass expulsion of sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia: an alarming situation
Introduction :
A few days ago, the NGO Human Rights Watch reported that nearly a hundred sub-Saharan migrants were allegedly expelled collectively by the Tunisian National Guard towards the Algerian borders. This news further aggravates the worrying situation of migrants in Tunisia, already marked by forced expulsions to the Tunisian-Libyan desert this summer, which unfortunately led to the death of several of them. In this article, we analyze in detail this alarming situation and the consequences for sub-Saharan migrants.
A toughening of the Tunisian authorities in the face of the influx of migrants:
According to information collected by Human Rights Watch, the Tunisian authorities have strengthened their measures to combat irregular immigration. Not only do they intercept nearly a dozen attempts to leave at sea per night, but they also carry out mass arrests at land borders, reaching record numbers in September. Associations such as the Forum for Economic and Social Rights have confirmed that some migrants, stranded in the border towns of Kef and Tajerouine, were transported there after being intercepted at sea.
Reinforced dispersal and control measures:
To prevent sub-Saharan migrants from reaching the city of Sfax, a hub for irregular departures to Europe, the Tunisian authorities have put in place reinforced controls on public transport and phosphate trains. This new strategy of dispersing migrants outside of Sfax aims to relieve the saturation of Tunisian prisons. Indeed, the number of migrant arrests continues to increase, with more than 7,700 arrests in September, including 4,174 for illegal entry at land borders.
A context of tension and refusal of financing:
This policy of strengthening security comes in a tense context, particularly after the announcement by Tunisian President, Kaïs Saïed, to refuse funds allocated by the European Union to fight against irregular migration. An envelope of 105 million euros considered as a form of “charity” by the president, who believes that this agreement does not respect the agreements previously signed and the spirit of the Rome conference in July.
Conclusion :
The situation of sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia is becoming increasingly worrying with these massive expulsions and the control measures reinforced by the authorities. It is essential that the international community pays attention to this situation and provides lasting solutions to protect the rights of these migrants who are simply seeking to escape violence and precariousness in their countries of origin.. Let us hope that humanitarian and human rights-respecting measures will be put in place to guarantee the safety and dignity of all migrants.