29.9 C
Accra
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Independent AfricaPolice and protesters in Tunisia clash over migrants missing since September

Date:

Police and protesters in Tunisia clash over migrants missing since September

 

Tunisian police used tear gas on hundreds of demonstrators on Friday as they clashed when protesters tried to reach the southern island of Djerba where the 18th Francophonie summit is due to take place.

The crowds were trying to establish the fate of Tunisian migrants who have been missing for nearly two months.

A makeshift boat carrying 18 Tunisian migrants en route to the Italian coast disappeared during the night of 20-21 September after leaving Zarzis in the south-east. Only eight bodies have since been found since.

Police units were deployed at the entrance to Djerba, an island in southern Tunisia, to prevent the protesters, who came in dozens of cars and motorbikes, from entering.

Ali Kenis is a fisherman from Zarzis and says he is determined to keep the protests going: “We will launch civil disobedience, and close all entry and exit points to Zarzis, and all public and private establishments, so we can isolate the city,” he says.

Families and relatives of the missing migrants, supported by the inhabitants and fishermen of Zarzis, organised several demonstrations gathering thousands of people to push the authorities to intensify the search for those still missing.

A general strike was held in the city on 18 October to demand an investigation into the sinking of the boat and the hasty burial of some of the bodies in a private cemetery (“Jardin d’Afrique”), usually reserved for sub-Saharan migrants.

 

Source: African News

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

Obour resigns as Managing Director of Ghana Post

Bice 'Obour' Osei Kuffuor has stepped down as the...

Gas supply to Ghana by WAPCo reduced over $20m debt

The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has cut...

2025 budget: Finance Minister details why sports was not captured

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that...

Diana Hamilton shows up on social media adorned in uniform as nurse

Ghanaian gospel musician Diana Hamilton has motivated many women...

Eastern Reg. Police Commander accused of meddling in Boso Chieftaincy dispute

The Abusuapanin of the Boso Traditional Area in the...

Supreme Court to hear Akwatia MP’s Ernest Kumi contempt case

The Supreme Court has ruled by a 4-1 majority...

Kurt Okraku secures a seat on CAF Executive Committee after election win

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin...

Related stories

Gaza’s food crisis worsens as Israel shuts supply routes

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening as soaring...

Four independent candidates, including Nguema, to contest Gabon’s presidency

Gabon’s interim president, Brice Oligui Nguema, will compete against...

President Embalo declares candidacy for second term

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced his...

US, Israel oppose UN-endorsed Arab intentions to rebuild Gaza

The Arab League has officially endorsed a plan, led...

Tunisia divided over trial of opposition leaders

A highly controversial trial involving 40 opposition figures including...

ECOWAS team departs Guinea-Bissau after President Umaro’s threats

A delegation from the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS,...

Displaced Sudanese return to Omdurman

Displaced Sudanese families are making their way back to...