Tunisian coast guards rescued 612 migrants in a record operation on March 17, amidst increasing criticism of government actions regarding migration and rising violence within migrant camps. The sharp rise in crossings from the Sfax region has led to makeshift camps forming, which are fraught with danger and fear of police interventions and deportations. Public sentiment and political rhetoric reflect growing unease, impacting the government’s approach to managing migration.
On March 17, Tunisian coast guards achieved a remarkable feat by rescuing 612 migrants in a single night, amidst escalating scrutiny of the government’s handling of migration issues. This operation was characterized by heart-wrenching imagery, showcasing officers rescuing individuals, including lifeless children, from the treacherous sea. The Tunisian National Guard emphasized the tragic realities of illegal migration, stating, “A tragedy that highlights the severe dangers of these illegal journeys.”
Recent trends reveal a significant increase in migrant crossings from the Sfax region, leading to the establishment of makeshift camps in olive groves. These camps have emerged despite ongoing police interventions. Ralph, an Ivorian migrant residing in Tunisia since 2020, recounted the loss of friends in a tragic shipwreck and lamented the worsening conditions in Sfax, expressing concerns over rising hostility and tensions.
Reports indicate violent incidents within migrant camps, particularly in El-Amra, where two Sub-Saharan migrants were killed amid unclear circumstances. The violence has sparked fear among the migrant population, as Ralph noted, “If there’s a problem, we can’t go to the police because they’ll just arrest us.” Local residents have also expressed apprehension regarding increasing instability, leading to protests against migrant-related crime, including recent demonstrations involving arson.
Media coverage and public sentiment have depicted the migrant situation increasingly negatively. Lawmaker Fatma Mseddi described the migrant camps as a “war zone,” urging the President to acknowledge the grim reality. Moreover, a viral video captured public frustration over the authorities’ responses to the migrant influx, with one individual stating, “We already have too many, and they keep bringing more.”
The ongoing migrant rescues align with Tunisia’s Search and Rescue (SAR) commitments, solidified in June 2024 with EU support. The operational capabilities were enhanced through Italian funding; however, this cooperation has drawn criticism from the public. Concerns about police raids and potential deportations loom large among migrants, particularly following a noted increase in deportations by Algeria and Libya.
In terms of migration patterns, the EU’s agreement with Tunisia, which provides substantial financial aid to control irregular migration, has effectively reduced migrant arrivals in Italy significantly—by 80% since 2023. Nonetheless, approximately 70% of sea interceptions in 2024 have occurred in the spring months, indicating a seasonal spike in Mediterranean crossings.
The recent migrant rescue operation conducted by Tunisian authorities has underscored the harrowing realities faced by migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings. As rescue efforts increase and violence in camps escalates, public sentiment towards migrants has shifted negatively, prompting calls for government action. With external pressures from the EU and neighboring countries affecting Tunisia’s migration policies, the situation remains precarious, necessitating vigilant attention to the conditions of migrants within the region.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
