On March 17, Tunisian coast guards rescued 612 migrants, marking a record operation amidst rising tensions and criticism of government handling of migrant issues. The surge in crossings from Sfax has led to increased violence in camps, protests from locals, and critical views regarding the effect of EU agreements on Tunisia’s migrant management. Conditions worsen as fear of deportations looms over many migrants.
On March 17, Tunisian coast guards made a significant rescue, saving 612 migrants during overnight operations, which has drawn scrutiny of government actions amidst deteriorating conditions. This record operation exposed the harsh realities facing migrants attempting these perilous sea crossings, with images depicting a tragic scene of officers recovering migrants from the water.
The rescue operation coincides with an increase in attempted crossings from Tunisia’s Sfax region, where makeshift camps in olive groves have emerged despite frequent law enforcement actions, including police raids. Ralph, an Ivorian migrant, shared his fears regarding the growing tensions in the region after losing friends to shipwrecks.
Tensions in migrant camps near El-Amra escalated after two young Sub-Saharan migrants were killed, contributing to concerns over safety among local residents. Reports of violence attributed to self-proclaimed “security teams” have emerged, leaving migrants hesitant to approach police for protection due to fears of arrest or deportation.
Protests against migrant-related insecurity have increased in Tunisia, with frustrations culminating in demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience. Local slant toward alarmism has escalated, leading lawmakers to label the camps as “war zones,” urging the president to witness conditions firsthand.
Tunisia’s rescue operations are aligned with its obligations under the European Union’s Search and Rescue commitments, aiming to control irregular migration. However, critics argue that financial assistance from the EU has led to more migrants being left vulnerable, and concerns about deportations are growing among those in the camps, particularly with intensifying enforcement by neighboring Algeria and Libya.
Under Italy’s pressure, the EU has provided significant funds to help Tunisia manage migration, which has resulted in increased boat interceptions and a sharp decline in migrant arrivals in Italy this year. The current dynamics in the Mediterranean highlight the ongoing challenges and urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis faced by migrants attempting these dangerous crossings.
The recent record migrant rescue operation by Tunisian authorities emphasizes increasing tensions surrounding migration in the region. Escalating violence in migrant camps, the pressure from EU agreements, and the logistical struggles of managing migrant populations collectively indicate a complex crisis. Humanitarian conditions demand urgent improvement, alongside efforts to balance security concerns with the welfare of vulnerable migrants desperately seeking safety.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
