Algeria faces a border crisis with Tunisia due to a surge in irregular immigration. Recent restrictions by Algeria have intensified tensions, prompting discussions between officials from both countries. Calls for military intervention in Tunisia’s border regions have emerged due to rising crime, while Europe pressures Tunisia without financial assistance. The migration issue is significant, with over 19,000 illegal crossings recorded in the early months of 2024, primarily from Algeria.
Algeria is grappling with significant challenges related to the flow of irregular immigrants from Tunisia. For years, thousands of Algerian and African migrants have crossed the border, but recent restrictions imposed by Algeria have exacerbated an already tense border crisis. Despite efforts to coordinate on migration and security matters, Tunisia claims Algeria is not doing enough to control the influx of migrants.
In response to this crisis, Tunisian President Kais Saied dispatched Interior Minister Khaled Nouri to engage in discussions with Algerian Interior Minister Ibrahim Mourad. The talks aimed to address smuggling, border security, and the economic impacts of migration on both nations. Both countries stressed the necessity of cooperation to manage the irregular immigration situation.
Political analyst Nabil Rahbi remarked on Algeria’s need for greater involvement, stating, “Algeria must demonstrate its cooperation on migration issues by preventing the flow of migrants towards Tunisia, but we have observed that it also seems to be shirking its responsibilities lately.”
The border region, particularly Sfax, has seen a surge in crime, leading Tunisian parliamentarians such as Tariq Al-Mahdi and Fatima Al-Mahdi to advocate for military intervention. This call has drawn criticism from human rights organizations for potentially endangering vulnerable populations amidst the government’s migration policies. Al-Mahdi highlighted the grave situation, stating, “There are criminal gangs lurking in shelters that cannot be repelled or resisted.”
Meanwhile, Europe is applying pressure on Tunisia to curb the flow of irregular immigrants without providing financial support, effectively turning Tunisia into a bottleneck for migrants. The issue is not new; in May 2024, it was reported that over 19,000 illegal immigrants crossed into Tunisia in just four months, with more than 70% entering from Algeria.
The ongoing migration crisis between Algeria and Tunisia reflects a complex interplay of border security, economic impacts, and humanitarian concerns. Both nations recognize the need for enhanced cooperation to address irregular migration, yet varying political pressures and internal security issues complicate the resolution of this challenge. Immediate and collaborative actions are essential to mitigate the adverse effects on both countries and manage the increasing tide of migrants effectively.
Original Source: www.atalayar.com
