Hundreds of Tunisians gathered in El Amra to demonstrate against makeshift camps housing migrants primarily from sub-Saharan African countries, according to an AFP correspondent. The protest in the central Tunisian town comes after recent government crackdowns on similar encampments in the capital Tunis and other regions, often in response to complaints from local residents.
During the demonstration in El Amra, protesters demanded the expulsion of migrants and urged authorities to swiftly evict the estimated thousands residing in the area. Lawmaker Tarek Mahdi stated the need for an “immediate solution” to relocate migrants away from urban areas and cities, stating that the situation had become “unacceptable.”
Representing El Amra in parliament, Mahdi stressed that Tunisia requires assistance from other countries to address the significant influx of migrants. The town, situated approximately 40 kilometers north of Sfax, a crucial departure point for Europe-bound sea journeys, has witnessed an influx of migrants who set up encampments before attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing.
The surge in anti-migrant violence, exacerbated by remarks from President Kais Saied characterizing “illegal” foreigners as a demographic threat, has driven many migrants out of major cities and into smaller towns like El Amra.
Migrants often aim to reach Italy, with Lampedusa island located approximately 150 kilometers away from Sfax. Tunisian authorities, in collaboration with the European Union, have intensified efforts to curb irregular migration, leading to raids on encampments and the expulsion of migrants in recent weeks.
Last month, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Tunisia to sign agreements aimed at addressing migration issues. Saied reiterated Tunisia’s stance against becoming a transit or settlement destination for tens of thousands of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe annually, stating the need for comprehensive solutions to manage migration flows.
