Reports indicate that Tunisian authorities have been involved in clearing migrant camps and expelling hundreds of individuals, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa, towards the borders with Libya. Since the start of May, over 400 migrants have reportedly faced expulsion from Tunisia.
Footage shared by Refugees in Libya, an organization led by South Sudanese migrant David Yambio, depicted a group of migrants trekking through the desert after being expelled. According to the organization, these individuals had sought refuge in the city of Bousalem in northern Tunisia before being forced out.
Additionally, recent reports from Al Jazeera highlighted a clearance operation conducted by Tunisian authorities outside the offices of the UN migration agency IOM in Tunis. Images posted by Agence France Presse (AFP) showcased the aftermath of this clearance.
The expulsion of migrants from Tunis reportedly left them stranded near the border town of Jendouba, with limited access to food and water. These incidents of clearance and expulsion echo similar events that transpired throughout 2023, underscoring ongoing challenges faced by migrants in Tunisia.
Conditions for migrants living in makeshift camps around port towns like Sfax remain dire, with tens of thousands enduring harsh living conditions while awaiting opportunities to travel to Europe.
Reports from affected migrants depict a climate of fear, with constant apprehension about police raids and increasing incidents of kidnapping. Instances of violence and extortion by unknown groups further exacerbate the plight of migrants in Tunisia.
Tunisian President Kais Saied addressed the issue, stating that Tunisia would not tolerate being used as a settlement or transit point for migrants. The president emphasized the need for cooperation among North African countries to address the escalating migration crisis.
However, human rights organizations continue to raise concerns about violations against migrants in Tunisia, including arbitrary displacements by the Tunisian National Maritime Guard. These actions disregard humanitarian considerations and contravene international agreements ratified by Tunisia.