Rights groups are increasingly worried about the well-being of a group of sub-Saharan African refugees and migrants who are stranded in the Tunisian desert near the Algeria border, hoping to reach safety in Europe. A cohort of 42 Sierra Leonean asylum seekers and irregular migrants, abandoned in the desert by Tunisia’s National Guard along with nearly 100 others, were fortunate enough to be rescued by rights groups. These expulsions, which are occurring frequently, seem to be an unofficial policy in Tunisia, with migrants and asylum seekers being left in the desert without resources in violation of international humanitarian law.
The situation for refugees and migrants in Tunisia is dire, with many living in camps across the country, facing shortages of food and water, and endemic unemployment. Anti-migrant sentiments are on the rise among locals who rely on olive groves where refugees and migrants are forced to camp. The crackdown on migration in Tunisia has led to arbitrary arrests and expulsions, with little regard for the safety and well-being of those affected.
Anderson, a Sierra Leonean asylum seeker, was among those abandoned in the desert for 12 days before being rescued. His harrowing experience highlights the precarious situation faced by refugees and migrants in Tunisia. Despite efforts by rights groups and international organizations to provide assistance, the situation remains dire for many vulnerable individuals.
The European Union’s deal with Tunisia to provide funding for border management and migration control has come under scrutiny, as the mistreatment of refugees and migrants continues unabated. The lack of accountability and protection for vulnerable individuals in Tunisia is a cause for concern, with rights groups calling for greater attention to the plight of those affected by this crisis.