In the olive fields north of Sfax, Tunisia, Emmanuel Kebua Akale Ebäi’s frustration echoes the sentiments of thousands of African migrants facing dire circumstances. Forced to flee civil unrest in Cameroon’s anglophone regions, Emmanuel and his family, like many others, sought refuge in Tunisia, only to find themselves stranded in makeshift camps amid the olive groves.
Scattered makeshift camps have emerged in the countryside since late summer 2023 when Tunisian authorities cleared central Sfax of migrants, leaving them with no choice but to seek shelter in the fields. These camps, lacking basic amenities such as electricity and clean water, have become hotspots for harassment and mistreatment by local authorities.
The harsh conditions in the camps are exacerbated by frequent visits from the Tunisian National Guard, who resort to tactics such as tear gas and buckshot to intimidate and disperse migrants. Instances of violence, including the destruction of tents and confiscation of belongings, have become distressingly common, leaving migrants vulnerable and traumatized.
Despite efforts by humanitarian organizations and advocacy groups to highlight their plight, African migrants in Sfax remain trapped in a cycle of desperation and uncertainty. With limited options for legal recourse and no viable means of escape, their hopes of reaching Europe for a better life grow increasingly distant.
The situation is further compounded by the European Union’s externalization policies, which incentivize Tunisia to crack down on irregular migration in exchange for financial support. While framed as humanitarian initiatives, these policies often lead to increased vulnerability and exploitation of migrants, undermining their fundamental rights and dignity.
As the humanitarian crisis in Sfax’s olive fields continues to unfold, the voices of African migrants like Emmanuel serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for international solidarity and concerted action to address the root causes of migration and ensure the protection of migrant rights worldwide.