Tensions in Tunisian city between Black African immigrants and locals
SFAX, Tunisia – Clashes broke out between African immigrants and locals in Sfax, Tunisia’s second largest industrial city.
Violent incidents were reported between the two communities following an altercation between a Black African and a local that left one person dead.
Eyewitnesses saw Black Africans leaving the city to seek safety.
Tunisia is itself an African country, but is located halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Nile Delta on the Mediterranean Sea opposite Italy.
Three men from Cameroon were arrested for the murder, and 34 others were arrested for illegal entry.
But this has not calmed the situation in the city.
Many migrants were rounded up and taken to the militarized border with Libya.
According to experts, President Kais Saied’s speech in February, in which he blamed African immigrants for the violence, has aggravated the situation.
They say concerns about food shortages, economic decline and unemployment are fueling distrust of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.
Locals say the immigrants are eating up their resources.
But there are other Tunisians who see the migrants as potential clients for whom they arrange boat trips to Europe.
The speaker of parliament, Brahim Bouderbala, called on President Saied to intervene and take immediate measures to calm the situation in the city.
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