Authoritative information from the Tunisian national guard testifies to the rescue of 612 migrants from the southern part of the Sahara, who were trying to reach Europe. 18 bodies of migrants were also found, originating from countries in the Southern Sahara. Photos showed members of the coast guard, some with life jackets, among which were women and children, although some of them appeared to be dead. Survivors were rescued as a result of several operations in the Sfax region (central-east) when their boats capsized.
In a statement by the Tunisian national guard, published yesterday, it is said: "The units of the central region's coast guard successfully carried out separate operations on rescues and prevented attempts at illegal crossings of maritime borders". Off the coast of Livia, Tunisia, whose coastline is located less than 150 kilometers from the Italian island of Lampedusa, is a main departure point for migrants from the northern part of Africa, seeking to cross the Mediterranean Sea.
Based on an initiative from Italy, in July 2023, the European Union concluded a "partnership" with Tunisia, providing it with financial assistance amounting to 150 million euros, as well as 105 million euros for support in the fight against illegal migration. This aid led to an increase in operations to intercept boats in 2024 and a significant decrease in the number of arrivals in Italy, according to the Italian news agency ANSA, stating that the number of arrivals on the Italian coasts has decreased by 60% over the year, reaching 65,472 people by December 24 of the past year.
In 2024, more migrants left Livia (41,425 people) than arrived from Tunisia (19,246 people, which is 80% less than in one year), while other arrivals were from Turkey and Algeria. The number of those who arrived on the Italian coasts dropped by 60% over the year, reaching 65,472 migrants by December 24 of the past year.