Tunisian coast guards rescued 612 migrants in a record operation on March 17, highlighting worsening conditions for migrants amid rising insecurity. Despite government efforts to manage the situation, protests and violence in migrant camps are escalating, leading to concerns about deportations and the future of displaced individuals. International collaboration with the EU has resulted in a notable decline in migrant arrivals to Italy, yet tensions within Tunisia remain high.
On March 17, Tunisian coast guards conducted a record operation, rescuing 612 migrants at sea amidst rising tensions and worsening conditions for displaced individuals. The Tunisian National Guard, reporting on the rescue, emphasized the perilous nature of such illegal journeys, underscoring the haunting imagery of lifeless children among the survivors. These operations coincided with an increase in migrant crossings from the Sfax region, where migrants have taken refuge in makeshift camps despite frequent police interventions.
Migrants like Ralph, an Ivorian who settled in Tunisia in 2020, reveal the dire living circumstances, having endured nearly a year in an olive grove. He shared a tragic account of losing two friends in a recent shipwreck, expressing deep concern about the escalating situation in Sfax. The region has seen increased violence, including the tragic deaths of two young Sub-Saharan migrants in order to confront escalating tensions.
Meanwhile, local residents have expressed growing anxiety about security, as frequent protests against migrants have erupted in response to crime. A lawmaker, Fatma Mseddi, characterized the region as a dangerous “war zone,” appealing for the attention of President Kaïs Saïed. As tensions escalate, the media discourse has painted a grim picture of the situation, with some citizens expressing frustration at the government’s response to migrant rescues.
Tunisia’s rescues are aligned with international Search and Rescue (SAR) commitments, fostered through funding from the European Union and Italy. The Italian-funded patrol boats have been at the forefront of these operations, yet critics question the collaborative approach taken by the Tunisian government. Concerns about police raids and potential deportations loom heavy over El-Amra, as neighboring countries intensify their deportation strategies amidst the ongoing crisis.
Under pressure from the EU, Tunisia’s cooperation on migration control has soared since a July 2023 agreement, producing notable results with a stark decline in irregular migrant arrivals in Italy. According to reports, a significant proportion of interceptions occurred in the early part of 2024, reflecting the seasonal nature of Mediterranean crossings and the urgency of the migrant plight.
In summary, Tunisia faces a multifaceted crisis concerning its migrant population, highlighted by recent record rescues at sea amid growing violence and insecurity. The situation has prompted local unrest and raised questions about governmental responses, especially in cooperation with European entities. As societal tensions rise, the plight of migrants continues to remain dire, warranting urgent attention and action from both Tunisian authorities and international partners.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
