Tunis, Tunisia – (African Boulevard News) – The migrant crisis surging across the Mediterranean has put Tunisia on the front line. The vast exodus of migrants seeking a better life on European shores has seen the number of drowning cases increasing day by day, leaving Tunisia with much more than it can handle.

“The number exceeds our capacity,” says Mejdi Ghenim, Head of the Forensic Medicine Department in Sfax. “We are overwhelmed and cannot manage the sheer number of corpses we receive daily.”

Sfax is the second-largest city in Tunisia and has become the departure point for many migrants attempting to cross the waters to Europe. However, not all journeys end successfully with the number of casualties increasing daily.

With the influx of migrants, the number of corpses recovered from the waters off the Tunisian coast has been overwhelming. The hospitals and morgues in the city are finding it hard to cope, with some having to store the dead on the floors as they lack storage facilities.

This situation has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, making it even harder to manage the bodies.

“We have a serious problem: we have no more room, and the situation is getting worse,” says Ali Mridha, an official in the coastal city of Zarzis.

The rise in the number of deaths has also been attributed to the increase in the prevalence of human trafficking in the Mediterranean. In recent years, many Tunisians have made the treacherous voyage to Europe, mainly on unseaworthy boats organized by smugglers.

The government has launched several initiatives to combat the human trafficking menace and prevent the drowning of immigrants but it’s evident that they have a long way to go.

“Saving lives is the most important thing, and the government will continue to do all it can to prevent the loss of more innocent lives,” says a spokesperson for the government.

The migrant crisis is a complex issue that cannot be solved overnight. As the number of migrants attempting the dangerous sea crossing continues to increase, Tunisia must find a way to cope with the overwhelming number of dead bodies, while also working to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

In conclusion, the migrant crisis in Tunisia is a tragedy that has claimed many lives. The situation is overwhelming the country’s resources, and the government needs to take decisive action to prevent such incidents from occurring. It’s up to all of us to ensure that these migrants receive the help and support they need to create a safe and better future for themselves.

Tunis, Tunisia – (African Boulevard News) – Tunisian President Kais Saied has recently appointed a new ambassador to Syria following the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Diplomat Mohamed Mhadhbi received his credentials during a ceremony at Carthage Palace, signaling a new era of cooperation between Tunisia and Syria after almost a decade.

Mhadhbi’s appointment is a significant development in Tunisia’s foreign policy towards the region, as it seeks to play a more active role in resolving conflicts in the Middle East. This move is in line with President Saied’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, as he seeks to improve Tunisia’s relations with countries in the Arab world.

Tunisia and Syria had severed diplomatic ties in 2012 when Tunisia recognized the Syrian opposition during the Arab Spring uprising. However, with the recent developments in Syria, the Tunisian government decided to restore relations with the Syrian government and appointed Mhadhbi as the new ambassador to Syria, a move that has been welcomed by both countries.

In response to Mhadhbi’s appointment, President Saied expressed his belief that the new ambassador would contribute to the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between Tunisia and Syria. He highlighted the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the two countries in addressing common challenges, such as terrorism and the refugee crisis.

Mhadhbi, a seasoned diplomat who has previously served as Tunisia’s ambassador to Lebanon and Libya, also emphasized the importance of Tunisia’s relationship with Syria. He stressed that the two countries share a common history and heritage, and that the restoration of ties would promote mutual understanding and cooperation.

The appointment of Mhadhbi as Tunisia’s new ambassador to Syria has been met with positive reactions from experts in the region. Analysts have praised Tunisia’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as its willingness to engage with various parties and actors in the region.

In conclusion, Mhadhbi’s appointment as Tunisia’s new ambassador to Syria marks a new chapter in Tunisia’s foreign policy towards the region. Tunisia’s decision to restore diplomatic ties with Syria is a positive step towards promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, and the appointment of Mhadhbi is expected to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Tunis, Tunisia – (African Boulevard News) – Tunisia is calling for “solidarity” from European Union (EU) nations, particularly when it comes to fighting against illegal immigration. Nabil Ammar, the head of Tunisian diplomacy, made the plea on Thursday, during a meeting with a European commissioner.

Illegal immigration has been a significant problem not only for Tunisia but also for many African countries. The EU, which itself is not immune to the dangers of the migration crisis, has been criticized for not doing more to help countries like Tunisia handle the increasing numbers of immigrants.

Speaking at the meeting on Thursday, Ammar highlighted the importance of the EU’s support in combating illegal immigration. He stated that Tunisia required more EU funding to strengthen its border control and to create conditions for better living and employment opportunities for its people.

As a country with a struggling economy and high levels of unemployment, Tunisia is experiencing a large number of young people emigrating illegally in search of better opportunities. However, this has led to significant challenges, including the exploitation of these individuals by human traffickers and security risks to both Tunisia and its neighboring countries.

Ammar emphasized that Tunisia had already started implementing measures to tackle illegal immigration, such as working closely with civil society organizations, and providing job opportunities for the youth. However, without the support of the EU, these efforts might not be enough to solve the problem.

“The EU must show its solidarity with Tunisia by supporting our efforts to combat this problem. We need more resources and expertise to secure our borders, and we need the EU to provide more opportunities for legal migration,” said Ammar.

The EU has already provided funding to Tunisia to help the country strengthen its immigration management capacity, but Ammar stated that more support is necessary to address the root causes of the issue.

The plea by Tunisia for EU solidarity is a reminder that the issue of illegal immigration is a complex problem that requires joint efforts from both African countries and the EU. By working together, they can find lasting solutions that will benefit both nations and help reduce the risks of illegal immigration.