Tunisian Protesters in Jebeniana Demand Action on Migrant Crisis

JEBENIANA, TUNISIA — On Saturday, hundreds of Tunisians took to the streets of Jebeniana to voice their discontent over the presence of sub-Saharan migrants stranded in the region due to increased border patrol efforts.

The coastal town has become a focal point for those attempting to reach Europe by boat, escalating tensions within local communities.

The protesters, chanting slogans against settling migrants in Tunisia, called on the government to assist agricultural areas grappling with the influx of migrants living in makeshift encampments among their olive groves.

"You brought them here and it's your responsibility to send them back to their home countries," asserted Moamen Salemi, a 63-year-old retiree from nearby El Amra, highlighting the shortages of basic supplies such as sugar, flour, and bread in his town.

Jebeniana and El Amra, often the last stop for many before their perilous journey to Europe, mirror the complex challenges Tunisia faces as a significant transit point for migrants from Syria, Bangladesh, and sub-Saharan Africa.

The increased law enforcement presence in these agricultural towns, home to roughly 83,000 Tunisians, underscores the strain of hosting a growing number of migrants.

Protesters argue that Tunisia's efforts to curb migration to Europe have disproportionately impacted local communities. This follows Tunisia's agreement with the European Union less than a year ago to enhance sea border patrols in exchange for over $1 billion in aid.

The Tunisian Coast Guard has reported thwarting more than 21,000 migration attempts by land or sea this year. According to the UNHCR, fewer than 8,000 people successfully made the boat journey from Tunisia to Italy in the first four months of 2024, marking a significant decrease from the previous year.

Interestingly, more Tunisians have embarked on makeshift boats to Italy this year compared to migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.

Last year, anti-migrant protests erupted in Sfax following President Kais Saied's call for measures to address violence and crime he attributed to illegal immigration. However, the recent protests in Jebeniana and El Amra mark a new chapter in the local response to the migrant crisis.

Encampments have grown on the outskirts of these towns since local authorities began clearing migrants from Sfax last year. The International Organization for Migration estimates that around 7,000 migrants are currently living near Jebeniana and El Amra, although residents believe the actual number is much higher.

As Tunisia continues to navigate its role as a key transit point for migrants, the situation in Jebeniana and El Amra highlights the pressing need for sustainable solutions that address both the humanitarian needs of migrants and the socio-economic concerns of local communities.

The international community will be watching closely as Tunisia grapples with these multifaceted challenges.