Expulsion of African Immigrants in Tunisia

Streams of Thoughts

President Kais Saied’s decision to deport black immigrants in Tunisia was driven by his own fear of somehow being overthrown by Black Africans. Mr. Saied embraced and spread a conspiracy theory which he referred to as a “criminal plot.” On Tuesday, February 21, President Saied gave a speech, and during his speech he suggested that the arrival of Sub-Saharan migrants was part of a plot to weaken the country's Arab Islamic identity. Furthermore, he ordered the authorities to strictly enforce the law regulating the presence of black Africans in Tunisia. Inevitably due to his offensive statements, fear was widespread amongst black asylum seekers and violent attacks against them erupted. According to France 24, several hundred of migrants were taken to the Tunisia-Libya Desert against their will. Those expelled are from many Sub-Saharan countries including Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Sudan ,Chad, and others.

Learn More: Migrants between life and death in Tunisia-Libya Desert.