Tunisia successfully dismantled an international human trafficking network dedicated to smuggling African migrants into Italy, announced the Tunisian National Guard on Sunday.
The operation led to the apprehension of four individuals, one of whom was sought in common law cases.
"This network facilitates the passage of individuals from various African nationalities into Tunisian territory through the western land border with neighboring Algeria, subsequently providing transport and shelter for their illicit immigration attempts towards Italy," the Tunisian National Guard explained.
The Tunisian Public Prosecution, following a thorough review, issued judicial permits for their detention and referral to the Tunisian judiciary, accompanied by prison warrants and the confiscation of their transportation means.
In November, the Tunisian Ministry of Interior exposed another human trafficking network involved in smuggling migrants of sub-Saharan African nationalities into Sfax. The International Organization for Migration identified the coastline of Sfax as a significant departure point for those seeking refuge in Italy.
Thousands of migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa have flocked into the city since last summer, prompting concerns about potential shifts in migration patterns impacting Tunisia's demographic composition.
The Tunisian National Observatory on Migration (ONM) raised alarm over the escalating figures of illegal migration in the Mediterranean Sea.
According to the Italian Ministry of Interior, over 151,000 irregular migrants of various nationalities, including 11% Tunisians, arrived in Italy from the beginning of the year until the end of November.
In response to the escalating issue, the European Union and Tunisia inked a memorandum of understanding in July, establishing a "strategic and comprehensive partnership" covering irregular migration, economic development, and renewable energy.
Under the memorandum, Tunisia was offered 105 million euros to bolster measures addressing irregular migration and an additional 150 million euros in support of its budgetary requirements.
