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Tensions Rise in Tunisia as Migrant Rights Activists Stage Sit-In Before EU Headquarters

TUNIS: Tensions in Tunisia have reached a boiling point as migrant rights activists staged a sit-in before EU headquarters, protesting the crackdown on migrant communities by Tunisian authorities. The past week has seen a wave of arrests and the demolition of tent camps, sparking outrage among human rights activists.

Several activists were apprehended this week on charges of financial crimes related to providing aid to migrants. Authorities also razed encampments outside UN headquarters, displacing dozens of sub-Saharan Africans who had been living there for months. The crackdown comes as fewer migrants have attempted the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea this year, due to weather conditions and increased border security measures.

The decrease in migrant arrivals aligns with the objectives set by the EU under a deal worth over €1 billion ($1.1 billion) aimed at preventing undocumented migrants from reaching Europe. However, human rights activists argue that the crackdown has left tens of thousands of migrants stranded in Tunisia, facing dire conditions.

Protesters at the sit-in criticized the security-focused approach taken by governments on both sides of the Mediterranean in handling migration issues. Signs at the protest denounced Tunisia’s cooperation with Italy and Europe, while also honoring the lives of Tunisians who have perished or gone missing at sea.

The situation has escalated in Tunisia, with bodies washing ashore on the central coastline near towns where clashes between migrants, police, and local farmers have occurred. Farmers have expressed concerns about encampments in olive groves, citing theft and demanding government intervention.

According to Italy’s Interior Ministry, the number of migrants reaching Italy in 2024 has decreased significantly compared to the previous year. The UN refugee agency UNHCR reported a similar trend, with a notable drop in the number of migrants traveling from Tunisia to Italy in the first four months of this year.

While the decrease in migrant arrivals may alleviate pressure on European officials, the situation in Tunisia paints a different picture. Tunisian authorities have thwarted numerous migration attempts and prevented thousands of migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan African countries, from reaching Italy this year.

Critics argue that Tunisia’s approach to the migrant crisis is exacerbating the situation and offering no viable solutions. President Kais Saied recently acknowledged the deportation of migrants from coastal cities to border areas in collaboration with neighboring countries, accusing pro-migrant individuals of receiving financial support to settle migrants in Tunisia illegally.

The arrests of prominent activists, including Saadia Mosbah and Sherifa Riahi, have raised concerns about the crackdown on dissenting voices. Mosbah, a Black Tunisian anti-discrimination activist, was arrested following her social media posts condemning racism and supporting migrants. Riahi, the former president of an asylum rights group, was also arrested under financial crimes charges.

The clearance of migrant encampments in Tunis led to clashes with law enforcement, resulting in the arrest of over 80 migrants. The authorities dismantled the camps near UNHCR and IOM headquarters, relocating the migrants to an undisclosed location.

The migrant crisis in Tunisia continues to unfold, with hundreds of migrants losing their lives along the Mediterranean coastline this year. While efforts to curb human trafficking and improve border security are ongoing, the plight of migrants fleeing conflict and poverty persists.

As North African and European officials work to address the migrant crisis, the EU’s policies focus on development assistance, voluntary return, and closer cooperation with neighboring governments. Billions of dollars have been pledged to countries like Tunisia, Mauritania, and Egypt to enhance border patrols and provide support for migrants.

The situation in Tunisia highlights the complex challenges faced by migrants and the need for a comprehensive and humane approach to migration issues. As tensions escalate, the voices of migrant rights activists and advocates for human rights must be heard to ensure the protection and dignity of all individuals seeking a better life.