Tunisian coast guards rescued 612 migrants in a record operation on March 17, amplifying criticism of the government due to deteriorating migrant conditions and rising insecurity. Incidents of violence in camps and local protests illustrate the challenges faced by both migrants and residents. The EU’s financial aid aims to curb irregular migration, yet fears of deportation and tensions remain high.
On March 17, Tunisian coast guards carried out a record operation, rescuing nearly 600 migrants in a single night. This operation coincides with increasing criticism of the Tunisian government as conditions for migrants worsen and insecurity rises. The Tunisian National Guard reported the successful rescue of 612 migrants through various search and interception missions at sea, revealing distressing images featuring officers rescuing individuals, including lifeless children. This underscores the severe dangers associated with irregular migration from Tunisia, particularly from the Sfax region where crossings have dramatically surged.
The conditions for migrants, particularly in makeshift camps within olive groves, have deteriorated, prompting frequent police interventions. Ralph, an Ivorian migrant residing in Tunisia since 2020, highlights his plight stating, “The situation is getting worse here” after losing friends in a recent shipwreck. Furthermore, incidents of violence in migrant camps—a result of vigilantism from self-styled security groups—have escalated tensions, with locals fearing retaliation if they report issues to the police.
Recent violent incidents included the deaths of two Sub-Saharan migrants, raising alarm among local communities, which have engaged in protests against rising insecurity. Lawmakers, such as Fatma Mseddi, have described regions heavily populated by migrants as akin to a “war zone,” urging governmental intervention and accountability.
In reaction to the record rescues, many Tunisian citizens criticized the government’s protocol of returning rescued migrants to shore, asserting, “We already have too many, and they keep bringing more.” The situation reflects ongoing tensions regarding the presence of migrants and the country’s commitment to European Union directives, particularly concerning search and rescue obligations agreed upon in June 2024.
To address rising concerns regarding irregular migration, the EU has provided Tunisia with substantial financial aid aimed at curbing these phenomena. This has purportedly led to an increase in interceptions and a significant reduction in migrant arrivals in Italy. However, local migrants like Ralph remain apprehensive about potential deportations and the impact of intensified policing amidst the changing dynamics of Mediterranean crossings, which continue to exhibit seasonal trends.
The record migrant rescue operation in Tunisia has intensified scrutiny of the government amidst worsening conditions for migrants and rising security concerns. High-profile incidents of violence in migrant camps further complicate the situation, prompting local protests and calls for government accountability. Financial support from the European Union aims to address irregular migration, yet the fears of deportation and local tensions persist among the migrant population.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
