In the midst of grappling with tumultuous waves of migration, Tunisian Interior Minister, Kamal Al Faqi, has sounded an alarm to European nations, imploring them to hasten the fulfillment of their commitments towards Tunisia.
Faqi shed light on the undeniable instability plaguing countries in sub-Saharan and Sahel African regions, which inexorably results in deteriorating living conditions for citizens therein, nudging their youth towards migration – a journey often devoid of humanitarian aspects. The minister – in a video disseminated via the official Facebook page of Tunisia’s Interior Ministry – illuminated the phenomenon of migration as an aftermath of the sabotage of social, economic, and political institutions in these nations.
Faqi further underscored Tunisia’s precarious position: burdened heavily despite its own socio-economic woes palpably felt by every Tunisian citizen. He clarified that from the outset, Tunisia has voiced its concerns, viewing migration as a challenge that can only be effectively countered by addressing its root causes. However, the nation insists on its right to defend its own borders, just as it cannot be expected to guard others’ borders with more rigor than its own, necessitating Tunisians to implement their domestic laws pertaining to migration.
Tunisia, while acknowledging that assimilating migrants is a normative practice among nations, emphasizes that it should align with a country’s capacity to accommodate them. Although there are illegal African migrants who desire to settle in Tunisia, the country, far from enjoying a state of sustainable economic prosperity, can only absorb a minimal fraction of these individuals.
The European aid package, an integral part which was agreed upon prior to the most recent agreement, or the declaration of intent protocol, is still pendulous in its execution, despite objections from some segments of the European Union (EU). The nation eagerly awaits the actualization of the declared assistance, in a swift and positive manner, to ameliorate the prevailing situation.
In relation to the denial of entry to members of the European Parliament into Tunisia, Faqi elucidated that a distinction must be drawn. The delegation claiming representation of the European Parliament, in reality, consisted of four independent deputies engaged in a campaign against Tunisian authorities, embroiled in an expansive endeavor to tarnish the image of Tunisia and the policies of its government vis-à-vis African migrants. These deputies, acting autonomously, undertook the visit without prior notification to Tunisian authorities, assuming themselves as guests based on engagements with some Tunisian organizations, and not with Tunisian authorities, rendering their presence undesirable on Tunisian soil.
Concerning the delegation intending to travel to Tunisia, announced by the European Union Commission, the state’s statement is clear, requesting a postponement in order to deliberate upon points that necessitate negotiation regarding the agreement.
Faqi dismissed claims of individuals being detained as part of an opinion siege, clarifying that a law regulates interaction within social networks and the utilization of media. This law criminalizes exposure to individuals in their own right and in their private lives or infringement upon the reputation of employees, public persons, and authorities if it is based on morally unacceptable distortions or acts aimed at defaming individuals, an act not acceptable worldwide, and not just in Tunisia.
