Six months grim toll: Over 900 migrant bodies recovered off Tunisia

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Jul 2023 11:04
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Migrants, mainly from Sub-Saharan Africa, attempt to reach Italy through Tunisia and Libya, and tragically, dozens of them have lost their lives at sea.

Migrants swim next to their overturned wooden boat during a rescue operation. (AP)

Tunisia's Interior Minister Kamel Feki revealed that over the past six months, more than 900 bodies of migrants attempting to reach the European Union by sea have been recovered off the coast of Tunisia.

Many of these migrants, mainly from Sub-Saharan Africa, attempt to reach Italy through Tunisia and Libya, and tragically, dozens of them have lost their lives at sea. The reports of migrant fatalities at sea have seen a significant increase in recent months.

In the period from January 1 to July 20, a total of 901 bodies were found, of which 26 were Tunisians, 267 were foreigners, and 608 remained unidentified, as per the Minister.

Feki's remarks came just two days after Italy hosted a number of country leaders in Rome in order to extend an EU-backed agreement with Tunisia to reduce the number of migrants arriving at European coasts.

When presidents and ministers got ready for the talks, Pope Francis urged them to assist the many individuals who attempt to enter Europe each year in pursuit of a better life as they escape war and poverty.

Meloni claimed that the talks would not only center on support for refugees and legal and illegal immigration but also "the most important... wide cooperation to support development in Africa."

Far-right Meloni promised to "stop the disembarkation" of migrants in Italy during the election campaign in 2022 that put her in office. According to the government, there have been up to 80,000 coastal arrivals since January, up from 33,000 during the same period last year.

Although the government has placed barriers in the way of aid ships saving migrants in the Mediterranean, it hasn't been able to stop the departures themselves, which primarily come from Tunisia and Libya.

With an eye on reducing migrant flows from Tunisia, Italy and the European Commission have made funding promises in exchange for a stem in migration from the country. The agreement also calls for the return of sub-Saharan African migrants living in Tunisia illegally, as well as additional illegal Tunisians.

In addition, Meloni has attempted to serve as a go-between for the International Monetary Fund and cash-strapped Tunisia, which is on the verge of a serious debt crisis. A roughly $2 billion bailout package for the North African nation has stalled due to IMF demands for structural reforms.

Last week, Tunisia and the EU signed a memorandum of understanding for a "strategic and comprehensive partnership," touching on migration, economic development, and renewable energy.

Last month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered Tunisia financial assistance worth 105 million euros to support measures preventing illegal migration. Another 150 million euros would be dispatched for immediate support, while another 900 million would serve for long-term assistance. The fund has yet to be released once negotiations with the IMF on a $2 billion loan are approved.