Tunisian president says irregular migration aims to change country's demography

TUNIS, Tunisia

Tunisian President Kais Saied has called for ending the flow of irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa to his country, citing demography change concerns.

"This situation is not normal, and there is a criminal arrangement prepared since the beginning of this century to change the demographic composition of Tunisia,” Saied said Tuesday in a meeting of the National Security Council.

“There are parties that received huge sums of money after 2011 to settle irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa in Tunisia," he added.

Saied pointed out that "the undeclared goal of these successive waves of irregular migration is to consider Tunisia a purely African country, with no affiliation to the Arab and Islamic nations."

"Tunisia is proud of its African affiliation, as it is one of the founding countries of the Organization of African Unity and has supported many peoples in their struggle for liberation and independence."

For years, North African countries such as Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, and Morocco have witnessed attempts by migrants – mainly from sub-Saharan Africa – to reach Europe, hoping for a better life. While some of the migrants manage to reach their destination, others often die during the journey.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat