Tunisia Roundup: Expulsion of sub-Saharan migrants, political prisoners, Olympic swimming champion

Expulsion of 400 sub-Saharan migrants

Tunisian President Kais Saied confirmed the expulsion of 400 sub-Saharan migrants to Libya, stating that Tunisia will not be a resettlement or transit country for migrants. He said "Hundreds of migrants enter Tunisian territory every day… it is no longer sustainable. Tunisia will not be a resettlement country for these migrants.” President Saied criticised NGOs that receive money from abroad and called for coordination between countries to address the migration issue, according to Agenzia Nova. Saied also discussed with the Libyan Interior Minister the joint work to reopen the Ras Jedir border crossing.

Opposition wants political prisoners freed before contesting election

Tunisia’s main opposition coalition is refusing to participate in the upcoming presidential election unless political opponents are freed and judicial independence is restored. President Kais Saied consolidated power in 2021, leading to the imprisonment of more than 20 political opponents, Arab News reported. The coalition is demanding the release of politicians, the reopening of the headquarters of the once-powerful Islamist movement Ennahdha, and the restoration of the independence of the electoral commission and judicial system, according to Arab News. Saied is expected to run in the election, which is likely to take place in September or October.

Tunisia’s Olympic swimming champion likely to miss Paris 2024

Tunisia's Olympic swimming champion Ahmed Hafnaoui may miss the Paris 2024 Games due to an injury. While he has not ruled out participating, his condition remains uncertain. The 21-year-old Hafnaoui won gold in the 400-metre freestyle at the 2021 Olympics and has achieved further success in world championships. If he is unable to compete, it would be a significant loss for Tunisia, Aljazeera reported.

Police raid sees refugees abandoned near Algeria border

Tunisian police raided refugee camps in Tunis, clearing them and leaving hundreds of sub-Saharan African refugees and migrants abandoned near the border with Algeria, according to Aljazeera. The refugees face hostility, kidnapping, and surveillance by authorities, and live in dire conditions with little access to medical care. Reports of kidnapping and trafficking of the refugees are widespread, with little protection or support from the government or media. The situation continues to deteriorate with no long-term solution in sight.

Prominent migrant rights activist detained

Tunisia detained activist Saadia Mosbah, head of a group defending migrants' rights, on suspicion of financial crimes. President Kais Saied during a meeting of the National Security Council on May 6 accused some migrant rights groups of treason, prompting protests and criticism. According to the Tunisian President, numerous officials in charge of civil society organisations that support the rights of migrants are "traitors" who accept funding from overseas. Tunisia has become a main departure point for people fleeing poverty and conflict in Africa and the Middle East, New Arab reported.