Tunisian security authorities announced on Sunday night to Monday the interception of approximately 100 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa off the coast of Sfax. These migrants were preparing to attempt an illegal crossing to Italy. The National Guard reported that the irregular migrants were caught in two separate sailing operations near Sfax, a major hotspot for irregular migration and human trafficking activities.
The region and other Tunisian cities have witnessed tens of thousands of migrants arriving from sub-Saharan African countries, seeking to cross the Mediterranean to its northern shores. Over the past two months, the Tunisian Navy has successfully reduced the flow of migrants to nearby Italian islands. The number of migrants had reached record levels this year until August, according to official data from the Italian Ministry of Interior.
The rise in irregular migration from Tunisia to Europe, particularly since 2020, has been influenced by a combination of economic and social factors. These include a worsening economic situation in Tunisia, limited career opportunities, the impacts of unemployment or underemployment, and a general pessimism about the political leadership’s ability to improve conditions in the country. This situation has led many Tunisians to embark on dangerous journeys in an attempt to reach Europe, often using the sea route despite its risks.
In addition to Tunisian nationals, there has been an increase in transit migration by foreigners through Tunisia. This has been primarily driven by the risks associated with other North African transit routes, such as Libya, and an influx of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many migrants from sub-Saharan Africa moved to Tunisia due to job losses and fears of deportation in neighboring countries like Algeria.
Interestingly, the role of human smugglers in facilitating these migrations has been changing. More young Tunisians are now opting for ‘self-smuggling’ – pooling resources to acquire boats and equipment to make the journey themselves, rather than relying on smuggling networks.
The European Union has been negotiating with North African countries, including Tunisia, to manage the migration flow. The EU aims to establish these countries as “disembark platforms”, where migrants intercepted at sea could be returned. For instance, a recent deal between the EU and Tunisia involved financial support from the EU to Tunisia in exchange for curbing undocumented immigration. This agreement, however, has been criticized by human rights groups and NGOs for potentially exacerbating human rights abuses and not providing safe and legal routes for migrants.
