Located less than 100 miles from the Italian islands, Tunisia has become a challenging stop for migrants seeking to reach Europe. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 migrants are stranded in rural olive groves near the central Tunisian coastline, a result of anti-migration policies in Tunisia and Europe.
The encampments have grown in size as police efforts to prevent Mediterranean crossings have intensified. Migrants face harsh living conditions, with clashes between different nationalities and little intervention from authorities.
European funds have enabled Tunisia's coast guard to intercept and prevent thousands of migrants from crossing to Italy. While this has reduced the number of successful crossings, it has led to a logjam on the Tunisian coastline, causing frustration and despair among migrants and locals.
The situation has sparked anti-migrant sentiments, with calls for the government to expel migrants and residents forming 'citizen militias' to police the area. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concern over the treatment of migrants in Tunisia, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa.
Despite efforts to curb migration, the government's actions have faced criticism for deporting migrants to border areas where many are found dead. President Kais Saied has made controversial remarks about migrants, fueling xenophobic attitudes among locals.
The EU has praised the 2023 accord with Tunisia as a model for managing migration, despite concerns about democratic backsliding and human rights violations. The partnership between Tunisia and the EU has raised questions about the impact on democracy and the rights of migrants and Tunisians.
As the situation continues, migrants remain trapped in Tunisia, caught between anti-migration policies and the challenges of returning home or seeking a better life in Europe.