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Tunisia has taken over from Libya as a main departure point for people fleeing poverty and conflict in Africa and the Middle East in the hope of a better life in Europe.
At least 20 African migrants have been missing after their boat sank off Tunisia as
they tried to cross the Mediterranean to Italy, amidst a sharp rise in migrant boats from the
North African country.
The coast guard rescued 17 others off the southern city of Sfax from the same boat, two of whom are in critical condition, Sfax court judge Faouzi Masmousdi said on Saturday.
In recent weeks, dozens have gome missing and died in
repeated drowning accidents off the Tunisian coast.
The National Guard said on Friday that more than 14,000
migrants, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, were intercepted or
rescued in the first three months of the year while trying to
cross into Europe, five times more than figures recorded in the
same period last year.
READ MORE: Refugee boat sinking off Tunisia leaves at least 19 dead
Tunisia seeks funding
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Friday that
Europe risks seeing a huge wave of migrants arriving on its
shores from North Africa if financial stability in Tunisia is
not safeguarded.
Meloni called on the IMF and other countries to help Tunisia
quickly to avoid its collapse.
Tunisia has taken over from Libya as a main departure point for people fleeing poverty and conflict in Africa and the Middle East in the hope of a better life in Europe.
Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar said last week the
country needed funding and equipment to better protect its
borders.
Tunisia had received equipment from Italy in the past
years, but Ammar said it was outdated and not sufficient.
READ MORE: Frightened Africans flee Tunisia after president’s anti-migrant tirade
Source: TRTWorld and agencies
Twenty African migrants missing after boat sinks off Tunisia
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