Sub-Saharan migrants represent a major challenge for many countries, particularly those located along the Mediterranean. Tunisia, in particular, faces growing pressure from irregular migration, pushing authorities to strengthen their control and surveillance measures.
According to information collected by the NGO Human Rights Watch, between September 18 and 20, nearly a hundred sub-Saharan migrants were collectively expelled by the Tunisian National Guard towards the Algerian borders. These migrants, intercepted at sea while attempting an irregular crossing to Europe, were taken to the borders after their arrest.
These new expulsions echo a summer marked by similar events. Indeed, this summer, nearly 1,300 migrants were forcibly expelled to the Tunisian-Libyan desert, which led to the death of 27 of them. Faced with this situation, human rights organizations denounce a toughening of the measures taken by the Tunisian authorities.
Although the Tunisian authorities have not confirmed these expulsions, they nevertheless acknowledge having intercepted numerous attempted departures at sea, as well as arrests at land borders, reaching record numbers in September. In addition, local associations have confirmed that some migrants are currently stranded in the towns of Kef and Tajerouine, on the border with Algeria, after being intercepted at sea.
To cope with the influx of migrants, the Tunisian authorities have strengthened controls on public transport and phosphate trains leaving from the southwest of the country. The objective is to prevent sub-Saharan migrants, who arrive via land borders, from reaching the city of Sfax, a hub for irregular departures to Europe.
This strategy of dispersing migrants outside of Sfax also aims to relieve congestion in Tunisian prisons, which are already saturated. Indeed, arrests of migrants are increasing, with more than 7,756 arrests in September, including 4,174 for illegal entry at land borders, according to figures from the National Guard.
These increased security measures come in a context where the Tunisian President, Kaïs Saïed, recently announced the refusal of funds allocated by the European Union to fight against irregular migration. He considers this financial aid as a form of “charity” which does not respect past agreements and the spirit of international conferences on migration.
Migration pressure therefore remains a major challenge for Tunisia, which must find a balance between respecting the rights of migrants and managing its borders.. It is essential to put in place effective migration policies that respect human rights, while working collaboratively with countries of origin and transit to address the root causes of irregular migration.