Tunisia – More than 21,000 migrants have left Tunisia by sea since start of year

The spokesperson for the General Directorate of the National Guard, Brigadier General Houcemeddine El-Jebabli, confirmed that there had been a record growth in the number of migrants illegally crossing maritime borders since the start of the year until April 10, compared to the same period last year.

This number is assessed at 21,100, an increase of 7,000 migrants by sea. Similarly, more than 19,000 were stopped from entering Tunisian territory by land, specifying that more than 566 organizers and intermediaries have been arrested. This number has increased fivefold compared to last year.

Concerning sub-Saharan migrants in Sfax, Jebabli disclosed the presence of several networks specializing in human trafficking, whether in countries of origin or transit and host countries. Efforts are still underway and the Ministry of the Interior is keen to prevent this trend, with the interception of migrants and numerous money transfers from these virtual currencies,