Tunisia: Migrant tents burnt in escalating crackdown
Authorities in Tunisia burnt tents used by migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, according to an AFP correspondent, in a bid to get rid of their camps, Al-Monitor reported on April 24th.
After going through the Algerian and Malian deserts, a large number of migrants entered Tunisia, with the intention of reaching Italy. However, harsher restrictions on the sea route have meant they cannot progress in their planned journey.
Olive groves around El Amra, which is a town near Sfax, served the purpose of unofficial camps for thousands of migrants but the camps started getting dismantled by authorities on April 4th.
Houcem Eddine Jebabli stated that authorities forced roughly 3,300 more migrants to vacate the olive groves on April 24th. The National Guard spokesman added that about 4,000 had departed in a previous operation.
“It’s the strategy of the State that Tunisia not be a place of settlement or transit for illegal migrants. Tunisia is coordinating with the countries of departure, of welcome as well as the international NGOs to ensure voluntary repatriation,” declared Jebabli.
According to Middle East Monitor on April 25th, authorities reported nearly 20,000 migrants settling in olive groves in Al-Amra and Jebniana.
Tensions have intensified among locals, many of whom have protested against migrants taking over private land. Multiple camps were dismantled earlier this April, after a surge of online anti-migrant sentiment.
Reports from Tunisia revealed a surge in illegal entry attempts in 2023, despite President Kais Saied’s anti-immigrant statements during that year. The Tunisian National Guard (national civilian police) said to AFP that a total of 69,963 migrants had been intercepted between January to November 2023.
In 2023, Human Rights Watch (HRW) also reported violations by Tunisian police and military against migrants. These included physical abuse or excessive force, theft of possessions and money, as well as torture.
After the agreement was signed, critics expressed their disapproval online. They condemned Tunisian President Kais Saied, who urged security forces to adopt “urgent measures” against the “hordes” of undocumented migrants. Saied also imprisoned opponents and restricted free speech.
Lauren Seibert, refugee and migrant rights researcher at HRW stated that “by funding security forces who commit abuses during migration control, the EU shares responsibility for the suffering of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Tunisia.”
Al-Monitor via AFP, Middle East Monitor
