Tunisia has intensified its crackdown on sub-Saharan migrants, dismantling makeshift camps and forcibly deporting several individuals in a move that has drawn both domestic and international scrutiny. The operations began late Friday, as Tunisian authorities cleared informal migrant settlements in southern towns like Amra and Jbeniana—areas that have become hubs for thousands of migrants stranded in the country after failing to cross the Mediterranean into Europe.

According to National Guard spokesperson Houssem Eddine Jebabli, around 7,000 migrants had been living in these camps, many of them occupying forested regions. The government justified the action by citing frequent tensions and violent clashes between the migrants and local residents. Officials claimed that during the raids, law enforcement confiscated weapons such as knives and swords, and detained individuals allegedly involved in disturbances.

These camps had long existed on the fringes of society, offering little more than tents and temporary shelters. Local communities had been pressing the government to intervene, citing safety concerns and rising hostilities. But human rights organizations argue that the state’s actions are driven more by xenophobia and political posturing than genuine public security needs.

The harsh measures come in the wake of growing anti-migrant rhetoric from top officials. In 2023, President Kais Saied made headlines when he claimed that illegal immigration from sub-Saharan Africa was part of a plot to alter Tunisia’s demographic makeup. His statement, which many saw as racially charged, was strongly condemned by the African Union, which warned against the spread of hate speech and discrimination.

The government’s latest actions have further inflamed concerns. Humanitarian groups in Tunisia have condemned the mass evictions and deportations as violations of international human rights laws. Several activists who attempted to provide food, shelter, or legal assistance to migrants have reportedly been harassed or even imprisoned, adding another layer of controversy to the situation.

Despite these developments, the Tunisian government continues to receive backing from some European nations, especially Italy. Tunis is seen as a critical partner in Europe’s efforts to stem the flow of irregular migrants. Italy, in particular, has praised Tunisia’s commitment to stopping sea crossings—an endorsement that human rights advocates argue is enabling abuse and encouraging a hardline approach.

As the camps are razed and families are forced into uncertainty, many are left without shelter, food, or legal recourse. The humanitarian toll is growing, even as political leaders claim success in maintaining border control and public order. Tunisia now stands at a crossroads, caught between internal pressures, international partnerships, and a growing outcry over the treatment of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

The events unfolding in Tunisia serve as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between migration control and human dignity. The world watches closely, but for the thousands of displaced migrants, time and hope may be running out.