In Tunisia, a violent brawl between migrants left several seriously injured in Zarzis in the south of the country this Wednesday, June 19. After several hours of confusion, the first elements of context emerge. This violence is increasing as Tunis has strengthened its border surveillance in recent months and as the departure season, as it is called, begins.
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With our correspondent in Tunis, Amira Souilem
These are images that created the shock in Tunisia. Sub-Saharan migrants fought in broad daylight with knives in the center of the town of Zarzis. At issue, according to information given by the deputy representing Zarzis: a dispute which degenerated between a Cameroonian national and a Liberian. The two were housed with several dozen other migrants in a crowded apartment building in Zarzis.
Located 80 kilometers from the border with Libya, the town of Zarzis is a crossing point for migrants seeking Europe. For months and while it has been ordered by its European partners to maintain its borders, Tunisia has strengthened controls on its coastline.
Unable to leave and stuck in Tunisia where they are unwanted, thousands of migrants from West and Central African countries survive in extremely difficult conditions in Tunisia. Human misery on which trafficking and organized crime networks made up of Tunisian and sub-Saharan elements have been added.
Faced with this situation, the anger of the Tunisian population is increasingly being heard, notably through anti-migrant demonstrations.