Back to university in Tunisia: Sub-Saharan students face new challenges
In Tunisia, the start of the academic year is a period often filled with enthusiasm and hope. However, this year, sub-Saharan students face additional challenges, following President Kaïs Saïed’s speech last February against irregular migration. Since then, many sub-Saharan students have been victims of the crackdown on undocumented migrants, which has impacted their academic experience.
Some sub-Saharan students were attacked and forced to confine themselves to their homes during security campaigns from February to March. This situation has created a climate of uncertainty for sub-Saharan students, who have had to face security issues and concerns about their future in Tunisia.
Despite these challenges, many sub-Saharan students have decided to continue their studies in Tunisia. Auguste Kevin Balima, a Burkinabè student, is one of them. He says he remains optimistic and will continue his university studies with determination. He also highlights the support received from certain Tunisians, who helped them by sending them messages of solidarity and providing them with food. These actions have contributed to maintaining good relations between sub-Saharan students and the local population.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that some sub-Saharan students have chosen not to return to Tunisia this year, and some countries, such as Ivory Coast, have suspended cooperation scholarships with Tunisia due to security concerns. students. This raises questions about the integration of sub-Saharan students in Tunisia and the measures taken to ensure their safety and well-being.
Tunisian universities, for their part, are aware of these issues and are trying to reassure sub-Saharan students. Salah Bousbia, director of international relations at the private higher school of engineering and technologies Esprit, explains that they have set up several programs to support and accompany sub-Saharan students. Information, awareness and advice meetings were organized, and a listening cell was set up to manage possible incidents or police checks.
However, student associations emphasize the need for additional efforts to simplify the administrative procedures linked to the granting of residence permits, which can sometimes be slow and complicated.
It is essential to emphasize that Tunisia has a significant number of international students, a large proportion of whom come from sub-Saharan Africa. This year, the country increased the admission offer for African countries by 25%, showing the importance placed on educating and welcoming sub-Saharan students. Measures are being taken to make the integration process smoother, faster and more accessible, in particular with the creation of a special office for international students and the possibility of renewing the residence card quickly.
The start of the academic year in Tunisia this year is therefore marked by specific challenges and concerns for sub-Saharan students. However, the efforts made by universities and the solidarity actions of certain Tunisians contribute to maintaining a climate of hope and optimism for these students. It is important to continue working on the integration and support of sub-Saharan students, in order to offer them the best conditions to continue their studies in Tunisia.