Hundreds of Tunisians took to the streets of Jebeniana in protest of the presence of sub-Saharan migrants stranded in their town, as the country intensifies border patrol efforts. The anti-migrant sentiment is growing in impoverished coastal towns like Jebeniana, which have become hubs for migrants attempting to reach Europe by boat.
Protesters called on the government to assist agricultural communities struggling with the thousands of migrants living in makeshift camps among their olive groves. “You brought them here and it’s your responsibility to send them back to their home countries,” said Moamen Salemi from nearby El Amra. He highlighted the shortage of essential food items in the city, blaming it on the presence of migrants.
Tunisia serves as a crucial transit point for migrants from various countries, including Syria, Bangladesh, and sub-Saharan African nations. The police presence has been increased in Jebeniana and El Amra, where tensions are rising due to the influx of migrants.
The protesters argue that they are bearing the brunt of Tunisia’s efforts to curb migration to the European Union, following a pact with the EU that included financial aid. The Tunisian Coast Guard has reported preventing thousands of migration attempts this year, leading to a significant decrease in successful crossings to Italy.
While anti-migrant protests have occurred in other Tunisian cities, they are a new phenomenon in Jebeniana and El Amra. Encampments have sprung up on the outskirts of these towns, with estimates suggesting that thousands of migrants are residing in the area. The situation has sparked a debate on how to address the challenges posed by migration in Tunisia.