Tunisia’s National Guard has reported that nearly 70,000 migrants were intercepted while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Tunisia to Italy in 2023, more than doubling the figure recorded in 2022.
According to a statement made to the French Press Agency by a spokesperson for the Tunisian National Guard on Saturday, the number of migrants intercepted by Tunisian authorities in the first 11 months of 2023 was 69,963, compared to 31,297 migrants during the same period last year.
The spokesperson noted that 78% of these migrants were foreigners, with the rest being Tunisians, marking a significant shift from 2022 when 59% of migrants were foreigners.
The pace of mass migration accelerated in February after Tunisian President Kais Saied condemned the arrival of “hordes of illegal immigrants” from sub-Saharan Africa.
He suggested that their influx was part of a “criminal plan” to “change the demographic composition” of the country.
Tunisia has become a critical transit point for thousands of migrants from sub-Saharan countries, embarking on irregular sea journeys toward European shores, particularly Italy.
The increase in migration figures has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Tunisia and the broader Mediterranean region in managing migration flows and addressing related humanitarian and security issues.
In previous remarks, Saied and Prime Minister Néjia Boudan Ramadan affirmed that Tunisia is not a furnished apartment for sale or rent, and these migrants who are displaced have only chosen Tunisia as a destination because the road has been paved for them.
The President of the Republic emphasized that “Tunisian security forces have protected those who have come to Tunisia and seek stability here, contrary to rumors.”
Once again, the President of the Republic stressed that “these plans are exposed and have been known for some time, and those who are lamenting today were involved in them while they were in power, and the people and history have rejected them.”
