Tunisia Dismantles Migrant Camps, Forces Deportations: A Closer Look

On April 5, Tunisia began dismantling makeshift camps in the southern regions of Amra and Jbeniana, housing over 7,000 sub-Saharan African migrants, according to Reuters. This operation, which has drawn widespread attention, marks a significant shift in the country’s migration policies.

The Forced Removals and Tensions on the Ground

The Tunisian government, aiming to curb illegal migration, has begun forced deportations of hundreds of migrants. The National Guard reported clashes with migrants, resulting in the confiscation of weapons, including knives and swords, and several arrests. Approximately 20,000 migrants are believed to be stranded in the region, underscoring the increasing tensions between migrants and local communities.

Past Incidents Highlight Tunisia’s Strained Migration Policies

This recent action aligns with multiple reports of Tunisia’s treatment of migrants. According to InfoMigrants, in January 2025, several migrants died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Sfax olive groves, highlighting the precarious conditions faced by migrants. Additionally, in March, over 600 migrants were abandoned in desert areas after being intercepted at sea, underscoring ongoing concerns about Tunisia’s migrant policies.

International Reactions: EU and African Perspectives

While human rights groups criticize Tunisia’s approach, European countries, particularly Italy, have praised the government’s efforts to curb migrant departures. Tunisia’s crackdown is seen as an effort to tighten border controls and reduce the flow of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean into Europe.

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