Tunisian National Guard announced on Thursday the arrest of 5 individuals involved in organizing illegal immigration operations in the city of Jebeniana, Sfax governorate.
In a press release issued this evening, Thursday, the National Guard stated that a joint patrol succeeded in apprehending 5 organizers of illegal immigration operations. Their involvement in networks specializing in the manufacturing of metal boats used in these operations was confirmed.
The National Guard mentioned that the public prosecutor ordered legal actions to be taken against the accused.
Illegal immigration in Tunisia has been a significant issue, with the country being a transit point for migrants and refugees attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. The situation has been exacerbated by economic challenges and political instability within Tunisia, making the journey to Europe an increasingly accepted option for many, despite the risks involved.
In recent years, Tunisia has seen a significant influx of undocumented migrants, particularly from sub-Saharan African countries. In the first half of 2023 alone, undocumented migrants in Tunisia received about $1 billion in remittances from their home countries, a sum that exceeds the revenues of Tunisia’s vital tourism industry during the same period. This has led to heightened tensions in areas like the coastal city of Sfax, which has become a focal point for migrants aiming to travel to Europe, resulting in what has been described as an unprecedented migration crisis for Tunisia.
The response from Tunisian authorities, led by President Kais Saied, has been controversial. Saied has made statements suggesting that the migration from sub-Saharan Africa aims to change Tunisia’s demographic composition, which has drawn criticism from human rights activists and international organizations. The African Union condemned the “racialized hate speech” against migrants following Saied’s remarks, urging Tunisia to treat all migrants with dignity and refrain from hate speech that could lead to harm.
The situation has led to a crackdown on undocumented migrants, with reports of arrests, evictions from homes, and loss of employment among the migrant community. The president’s rhetoric has been linked to a rise in racism against sub-Saharan Africans living in Tunisia, as well as against Black Tunisians, with social media and some political groups amplifying these sentiments.
Tunisia’s handling of the migration crisis and the accompanying rhetoric have sparked a broader debate about racism, migration policies, and the treatment of migrants and refugees within the country and the region.
