During a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the passing of Habib Bourguiba in Monastir on Sunday, Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed firmly denied any repatriation deals with European countries under his presidency. According to MosaiqueFm, he vehemently rejected accusations of such deals, calling them “the fabrications of the sick.”
Saïed stressed that the only existing migration agreements between Tunisia and Europe date back to 2008 and 2011, long before he took office. His remarks come in response to persistent rumors suggesting that recent negotiations between Tunisia and Brussels involved forced repatriation of Tunisian migrants from several European countries.
A Response to Domestic and International Criticism
In recent weeks, both domestic and international voices have raised concerns regarding the possible escalation of procedures for the forced return of migrants to Tunisia, allegedly linked to covertly signed agreements. Saïed’s statement directly counters these suspicions, reaffirming that Tunisia’s sovereignty has not been compromised by any new commitments related to migration.
The Case of Sub-Saharan Migrants in Sfax
Saïed was furthermore questioned about the management of migrant camps in Sfax, especially those hosting Sub-Saharan migrants. He defended Tunisia’s approach, describing it as “humane and ethical, in the Tunisian way,” emphasizing respect for human dignity despite the complexities of the issue. He remarked, “The whole world has never seen such a way of handling this issue, with humanity and responsibility.”
A Firm Stance on National Sovereignty
As migration continues to dominate Euro-Mediterranean discussions, Kaïs Saïed reiterated a firm stance on Tunisia’s national sovereignty, while also emphasizing his commitment to a humanist approach amidst a complex and evolving regional situation. His comments seek to assure both domestic and international audiences that Tunisia’s policies remain grounded in national dignity and international responsibility.
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