Hundreds of Tunisians marched through the streets of Jebeniana to protest the presence of sub-Saharan migrants who have found themselves stranded as the country ramps up border patrol efforts. The town, along the Tunisian coastline, has become a launchpad for thousands of people hoping to reach Europe by boat.
Protesters in Jebeniana chanted slogans opposing the settling of migrants in Tunisia and demanded government action to assist agricultural communities dealing with thousands of migrants living in tarpaulin encampments among their olive groves.
Residents expressed frustration, with one retiree stating, 'You brought them here, and it's your responsibility to send them back to their home countries.' The strain on local resources was highlighted, with shortages of food reported throughout the city of El Amra.
Jebeniana and El Amra reflect the challenges facing Tunisia as a key transit point for migrants from various nations. Law enforcement has increased its presence in these towns, where a significant number of Tunisians coexist with a growing migrant population.
Tunisia's efforts to prevent migrants from reaching the European Union have impacted these communities, prompting anti-migrant protests. The country's anti-migration pact with the EU has led to a decrease in successful migration attempts, with the Tunisian Coast Guard preventing over 21,000 attempts this year.
Encampments housing migrants have emerged on the outskirts of Jebeniana and El Amra, with an estimated 7,000 migrants residing in the area, according to the International Organization for Migration's Tunisia office.
Protests against the presence of migrants have also occurred in other Tunisian cities, reflecting broader concerns about illegal immigration and its impact on local communities.
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