Sub-Saharan African migrants gather in a public garden in Sfax, south of the Tunisian capital Tunis, illustrating the ongoing migration challenges in the region. In response, Tunisia is set to sign agreements with several African countries to facilitate the voluntary return of irregular migrants. According to the government, the repatriation is being conducted on a voluntary basis.
Secretary of State to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mounir Ben Rjiba, announced the initiative, noting a steady increase in requests for voluntary repatriation. He highlighted the national strategy to counter irregular immigration, which involves coordination with EU nations and international organizations. This strategy was detailed during a parliamentary session focused on irregular immigration.
Rjiba explained that Tunisia’s strategic location and proximity to the EU make it a key transit point for migrants. He also cited the political and security instability in many African countries and the declining role of some nations in curbing migration and combating human trafficking and smuggling as contributing factors.
Last week, the Sousse court sentenced 50 irregular migrants from various sub-Saharan African countries to eight months in prison for illegal border crossing and unauthorized stays in Tunisia. The local court spokesman, Wissem Cherif, mentioned that the hearing for 10 other migrants has been postponed to May 22. These individuals were arrested during a large-scale security operation in Msaken and Boukhzar in the Sousse governorate. The National Guard reported that over 21,000 sub-Saharan migrants were prevented from entering the country between January and April of this year.
As part of its efforts to manage irregular migration, Tunisia is strengthening its partnerships with African nations to ensure the safe and voluntary return of migrants. This move is intended to reduce the pressure on Tunisia’s resources and address the broader challenges of irregular migration and human trafficking in the region.