Tunisian authorities expand sweep of coastal migrant camps

Tunisian authorities dismantled dozens of makeshift camps sheltering sub-Saharan African migrants near the coastal towns of El Amra and Jebeniana this week, according to the Associated Press. The sweeps come in the wake of clashes between local residents migrants, which placed mounting political pressure on the government. The sites, which had sprawled across farmland near key migration routes to Europe, had become a flashpoint in national debates over migration and security.

The National Guard reported the detention of around 200 migrants and the seizure of weapons during the operation, which officials said was conducted to ensure public safety. President Kais Saied insisted the camps were cleared peacefully and framed the operation as both humanitarian and legal, citing concerns over property rights and health. 

Migrants have since been relocated to state-owned land outside Sfax. Authorities say they are working with international partners to facilitate voluntary repatriations, though fears of forced expulsions persist. Tunisia remains a major transit point for migrants attempting the dangerous sea journey to Italy.