Hundreds of African Migrants Abandoned in Tunisian Desert

In the scorching heat of the Tunisian desert, hundreds of migrants from sub-Saharan African countries sit or lie on the sand, using shrubs in a desperate attempt to find shelter from the relentless sun. These migrants, including women and children, were forcibly taken to hostile areas bordering Libya and Algeria by Tunisian authorities following racial unrest that erupted in the city of Sfax in early July 2024.

Why this matters: The forced evacuation and abandonment of migrants in the desert highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to address the growing refugee crisis and protect human rights. If left unchecked, such incidents can escalate into larger humanitarian crises, threatening regional stability and global security.

The migrants, visibly exhausted and dehydrated, have been abandoned without water or food. Libyan border guards are rescuing dozens of these migrants daily, with numbers continuing to rise. Mohamad Abou Snenah, a member of the border patrol unit, says, "We offer them medical attention, first aid, considering the trek they have made through the desert."

Abou Kouni, an Ivorian migrant who had lived in Tunisia for seven years, recounts his harrowing experience. He and his wife were apprehended on the street last week and put on a truck. Tunisian police told them, "We don't need you in Tunisia." Some migrants claim they were hit and threatened by the police during the forced evacuation.

The mass expulsion of migrants follows the killing of a Tunisian man on July 3, 2024, during an altercation between locals and migrants in Sfax, Tunisia's second-largest city. The incident sparked racial tensions, leading to hundreds of migrants fleeing or being forced out of the city. A video posted online shows a Tunisian police officer commenting on the situation: "Do you see them? It's sad. They are being expelled from Tunisia to Libya."

Tunisian rights groups estimate that between 100 and 150 migrants, including vulnerable groups, remain stranded on the border with Libya. The Tunisian Red Crescent has provided shelter to over 600 migrants who were taken to the militarized zone of Ras Jedir, north of Al Assah on the Mediterranean coast, after the July 3 incident.

The forced evacuation and abandonment of migrants in the desert raises serious concerns about human rights violations and the treatment of vulnerable populations. The international community is calling on Tunisia to respect the rights of migrants and provide them with proper assistance and protection. The situation continues to unfold, the fate of these migrants hangs in the balance, with many still facing uncertainty and hardship in the unforgiving desert conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds of sub-Saharan African migrants abandoned in Tunisian desert by authorities.
• Migrants, including women and children, left without water or food in scorching heat.
• Libyan border guards rescuing dozens of migrants daily, providing medical attention.
• Tunisian authorities accused of human rights violations, using force and threats.
• International community calls on Tunisia to respect migrant rights and provide assistance.