Tunisian authorities initiated the evacuation of illegal migrant camps in Sfax province on Thursday, targeting settlements in Al-Aamra and Jebeniana. The operation aims to dismantle these camps, which house thousands of irregular migrants, mainly from Sub-Saharan Africa.
National Guard spokesperson Houssam Eddine Jebabli confirmed the removal of a major camp, home to 4,000 people. He emphasized that the operation is being conducted peacefully, with no security force intervention. Red Crescent teams, the Health Ministry, and Civil Protection agents are assisting with the operation, providing first aid to migrants in need.
The evacuation will proceed gradually, with authorities aiming to dismantle all camps as swiftly as possible. While the exact number of migrants in these camps is unclear, estimates suggest up to 20,000 individuals are in Al-Aamra and Jebeniana alone.
Tunisian officials have not disclosed the locations where the evacuated migrants will be relocated. However, reports indicate that temporary shelters across the country may be established until the migrants can return voluntarily to their home countries.
This operation is part of a broader effort to manage irregular migration flows from Tunisia, a country that has seen increasing numbers of migrants attempting to reach Europe.
President Kais Saied has called for international support to help migrants return home and curb human trafficking. In 2024, over 7,000 migrants voluntarily returned to their countries in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The evacuation in Sfax represents a significant step in Tunisia’s ongoing efforts to address the complex migration crisis.