Maghreb Edition

Tunisia: 17 Europe-bound migrants drown off TunisiaF

Posted On 14 May 2021

Number of times this article was read : 333

At least 17 migrants drowned as a boat sank off Tunisia, the International Organization for Migration said Thursday, citing two survivors rescued near an oil platform. IOM said the boat had left on Tuesday from the port of Zwara in Libya, a key gateway for Europe-bound migrants mostly from sub-Saharan Africa. Two women from Niger survived and were rescued by authorities off the Tunisian port of Sfax, IOM said, adding the pair were taken to hospital. According to the IOM, more than 500 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea from the shores of North Africa to Italy and Malta since the start of 2021.

So far this year, some 13,000 migrants have landed on Italy’s shores — a sizeable increase from about 4,200 and 1,100, respectively, for the same periods in 2020 and 2019. On Tuesday, Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi said during a visit to Portugal that his country was opposed to setting up on its territory centres to take in migrants trying to cross to Europe. Mechichi said Tunisia, which is grappling with social and political crises, “is not ready at all to accept citizens of other countries”.

AFP
The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

UAE Regional Influence Under Strain Amid Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Maghreb Frictions✓

Across Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and the Maghreb, the United Arab Emirates is encountering rising diplomatic friction as regional powers push back against policies seen as destabilizing or misaligned with their security interests. The UAE is facing growing tensions involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria, while sustained scrutiny over Sudan and Yemen is reshaping perceptions of Emirati influence.

Algeria Expands Core Infrastructure Investment Across Core Sectors$

Algeria is scaling up investment in core infrastructure as part of a long-term strategy spanning transport, water security, energy, and mining. Backed by multi-billion-dollar allocations in the 2026 state budget, the program targets roads, railways, ports, airports, and large-scale hydraulic projects, alongside major mining developments linked to new logistics corridors.
Authorities frame the effort as both an economic and social priority, aimed at improving service reliability, supporting industrial growth, and reducing regional disparities, particularly in remote southern areas. Several projects rank among the largest of their kind in Africa and reflect a continued reliance on state-led development to address structural challenges

Algerian Supporters Face Charges in Morocco$

At least three Algerian nationals remain in custody in Morocco after traveling to the country to support their national football team during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The detentions stem from separate incidents that Moroccan authorities say violated public order and criminal law during or around match days.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.