An anti-discrimination activist in Tunisia was recently arrested in connection with a money laundering investigation, shedding light on the worsening conditions faced by migrants and their advocates in the country.
The activist, who is Black, was taken into custody and her home was searched as part of an inquiry into the funding of the association she leads. The arrest came following her social media posts denouncing racism she encountered for her work supporting sub-Saharan African migrants.
This incident underscores the challenges confronting migrants in Tunisia as authorities intensify efforts to monitor the coastline, a common departure point for those seeking to reach Europe.
Tunisian President Kais Saied, in a recent national security council meeting focused on irregular migration, criticized associations receiving significant foreign funds as 'traitors and agents,' cautioning against them supplanting the state's role in managing migration and combating human trafficking.
While fewer migrants have attempted the perilous Mediterranean Sea crossing this year due to weather conditions and increased border security, human rights organizations warn that the measures to deter crossings have not adequately addressed the plight of the tens of thousands of migrants stranded in Tunisia.
Recent clashes between law enforcement and migrants in Tunis resulted in over 80 arrests, with authorities dismantling encampments near the U.N. refugee agency and International Organization for Migration offices. The migrants, demanding repatriation, were forcibly removed from the capital.
Tragically, over 240 migrants, many from outside Tunisia, have died or gone missing along the country's Mediterranean coast this year, with authorities reporting a rise in interceptions of both Tunisian and transit migrants en route to Europe.
Efforts to manage migration and prevent tragedies at sea have been a focal point for European leaders, with significant financial pledges made to countries like Tunisia to enhance border controls and curb human trafficking.
Despite these measures, thousands of migrants continue to embark on dangerous journeys, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing migration flows and ensuring the safety and well-being of those seeking refuge or a better life.
For more global migration coverage, visit AP's migration hub.
