Tunis: In the midst of a sharp increase in migrant boats leaving Tunisia, a judicial official reported that at least 23 African migrants were missing and four died on Saturday after their two boats capsized off the coast of Italy as they attempted to cross the Mediterranean.
Two of those who were saved by the coast guard off the southern city of Sfax are in critical condition, according to Sfax court Judge Faouzi Masmoudi. Four bodies were found, he added. Numerous drowning accidents off the coast of Tunisia in recent weeks have left dozens of people missing and dead.
In the quest for a better life in Europe, people are now primarily leaving from Tunisia rather than Libya because of the country's relative stability and proximity to those regions' poor and violent regions. Tunisia has become a more viable option as a result of Libya's efforts to combat human trafficking.
Also Read: 144 killed, 80 abducted, 144 killed in Ramzan
The number of migrants stopped or saved in the first three months of the year while attempting to enter Europe, according to the National Guard, was over 14,000, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa. This is a five-fold increase over the numbers seen during the same period in 2017.
Also Read: London's pro-Palestinian activists stage a "emergency protest" in response to Israeli attacks
Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of Italy, stated on Friday that Tunisia's financial stability must be protected in order to prevent a massive influx of migrants from North Africa onto European soil. To prevent Tunisia's demise, Meloni urged the IMF and other nations to lend aid right away.
Also Read: One rocket lands in Jordan as three others aim for the Golan Heights
Nabil Ammar, the foreign minister of Tunisia, stated last week that money and tools were required for the nation to improve border security. Although Ammar claimed it was outdated and insufficient, Tunisia had previously received equipment from Italy.