Summary:

Over the weekend of 4 and 5 May 2024, Tunisian authorities dispersed multiple encampments and cleared facilities where primarily sub-Saharan African migrants and asylum seekers were staying. 

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Authorities cleared and demolished a camp in the Lac area of Tunis where migrants have long congregated near the headquarters of the International Organization for Migration offices. Another facility in La Marsa was also forcibly emptied of migrants after being used as a refuge by migrants for an extended period. 

Some reports indicated that approximately 400 migrants were relocated to Tunisia’s southern border with Algeria.  

President Kais Saied reported in a meeting that there is an active effort by unidentified parties to facilitate the movement of migrants into Tunisia. His statements referred to documents indicating that millions of dinars were being sent to individuals and organizations assisting migrants in transiting Tunisia. He referred to the migrants as “victims” of an international system, putting the blame on others that he did not identify. 

On 6 May 2024, a well-known pro-migrant and black rights activist Saadia Mosbah, was arrested as part of an investigation into money laundering.  

Outlook: 

Under pressure from Europe to demonstrate progress on migration, Tunisia has previously resorted to high-visibility counter-migration operations in order to garner favor with the country’s European benefactors. 

The most recent events are likely a response to recent visits by European political and defense leaders, particularly from Italy, which appears to be committed to empowering Tunisia to disrupt the flow of migrants to Europe. 

A growing focus on the finances that flow through NGOs operating in Tunisia to aid migrants points to growing risk for foreign-funded organizations that navigate Tunisia’s often opaque financial regulations. As indicated by the arrest of Saadia Mosbah, current Tunisian laws can easily be leveraged to deter organizations from supporting and working with migrants. 

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