Tunisia: trafficking ring’s failed operation to EU exposed
The Tunisian National Guard, on January 13th, revealed that an International human trafficking network which aimed at illegally bringing in African migrants into Italy, was dismantled in Tunisia, according to Ashwarq Al Awsat and agencies.
The Tunisian National Guard said that it is through the western land border that the international human trafficking network facilitated the passage of individuals into Tunisian territory. Algeria subsequently supplied transportation and shelter to ensure the success of the network’s illegal immigration attempts towards Italy.
As a result, four people were arrested and one of them was already wanted in common law cases.
The Tunisian Public Prosecution, thus, published judicial permits for their incarceration and referral to the Tunisian Judiciary, which was accompanied by prison warrants and the repossession of their transportation means.
READ: Tunisia refuses to back ICJ case against Israel (maghrebi.org).
From the start of the year until the end of November, more than 151, 000 illegal migrants from various nationalities, 11% being Tunisians, arrived in Italy, the Italian Ministry of Interior explained.
As a result, another human trafficking network which smuggled migrants from sub-Saharan African nationalities in Sfax, was exposed by the Tunisian Ministry of Interior in November. The Coastline of Sfax was thus, regarded a significant departure point for migrants looking for refuge in Italy.
The Tunisian National Observatory on Migration stated that the increasing figures of illegal migration in the Mediterranean Sea is alarming. The figures prompted concerns about potential shifts in migration patterns, impacting Tunisia’s demographic composition.
To tackle this issue, a memorandum of understanding was inked between the European Union and Tunisia, in July. The memorandum developed a strategic and comprehensive partnership between EU and Tunisia. It covered irregular migration, economic development, and renewable energy.
Under the memorandum, Tunisia was granted 105 million Euros to bolster measures addressing irregular migration and an extra 105 million euros to support their budgetary requirements.
Ashwarq Al Awsat/Agencies
