Title: Around forty Tunisian migrants missing at sea during their attempt to cross to Italy
Introduction :
The Tunisian National Guard announced the disappearance of around forty Tunisian migrants who were trying to reach Italy clandestinely by sea. Having left the city of Sfax on the night of January 10 to 11, these migrants have been missing for five days . The National Guard immediately launched a search to find these people whose loved ones had lost all contact. Tunisia, in association with Libya, has become the main departure point for many migrants seeking to reach Europe.
Increase in migrant departures from Tunisia:
The year 2023 saw a considerable increase in the number of migrants attempting to leave Tunisia irregularly. Statistics reveal that over the first eleven months of the year, more than 69,963 people were intercepted by the Tunisian authorities, more than double compared to the same period of the previous year. Among these migrants, 77.5% were foreigners, mainly nationals from sub-Saharan Africa, and the rest were Tunisians. In comparison, in 2022, 59% were foreigners and 41% Tunisians.
The role of the disappearance of these migrants in the increase in departures:
This acceleration in migrant departures from Tunisia is partly linked to a speech by President Kaïs Saïed in February 2023. He denounced the massive arrival of illegal migrants, describing this situation as a demographic threat for the country. The president’s statement fueled fear and uncertainty among the Tunisian population, prompting more people to attempt the crossing to Europe in often dangerous conditions.
The urgency of the situation in the central Mediterranean:
The figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are alarming. In 2023, more than 2,270 people died trying to reach Europe illegally through the central Mediterranean, an increase of 60% compared to the previous year. These tragedies highlight the urgency of international action to prevent risky departures and ensure the safety of migrants in distress at sea.
Conclusion :
The disappearance of these forty Tunisian migrants is a poignant reminder of the dangers that migrants face in their quest for a better life. The Tunisian authorities are mobilized to find missing people, but it is essential to take measures to prevent these risky departures and guarantee the safety of migrants in the central Mediterranean.