A surge of tension gripped the Tunisian port city of Sfax this week following the death of a local man, leading to the detention of three migrants. Retaliatory actions against Black foreigners have been reported, including alleged mass expulsions and assaults by security forces. The suspects in the death of the 41-year-old Tunisian man are under investigation for premeditated murder, according to the prosecutor's office in Sfax. An additional 22 migrants from sub-Saharan African countries were also detained for questioning regarding other crimes in the region.

Sfax, a key departure point for migrants hoping to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean, has seen a significant influx of individuals, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa. These individuals often undertake perilous journeys to Italy in small boats. Following the funeral of the deceased Tunisian man, Nizar Ben Brahim Amri, residents protested by blocking roads, burning tires, and demanding the repatriation of migrants.

Disturbing videos circulating on social media appear to show groups of local men in Sfax attempting to force entry into buildings and setting them ablaze, seemingly in an effort to drive out Black migrants. Other videos depict Black individuals being apprehended at night and placed into police vehicles. Tunisian security forces have provided shelter to some migrants as a protective measure against retaliatory attacks. Approximately 200 others sought refuge at the Sfax train station, intending to travel to Tunis, the capital.

Hundreds more migrants face a more uncertain situation. Reports indicate that some have been transported to an isolated beach area near the Libyan border, with armed personnel from both countries present. A 29-year-old migrant from Ivory Coast, who entered Tunisia legally in 2019, recounted being among 600 sub-Saharan migrants stranded in this precarious border zone. He claims they were taken there while awaiting passage to Italy and alleges mistreatment and violence by Tunisian security forces. He further asserts that Libyan border security fired warning shots to prevent the migrants from crossing.

Tunisian President Kais Saied has expressed strong opposition to the country being used as a transit point for migrants seeking entry to Europe. His earlier pronouncements on the issue sparked a crisis in February, leading some countries to repatriate their citizens and others to attempt the risky sea crossing to Europe.

Tunisia's economic struggles add another layer of complexity to the situation. Recent visits from European leaders have focused on stemming migration flows while offering financial support to bolster the country's economy. Despite intercepting 13,000 migrants attempting the crossing in the first quarter of 2023, over 30,000 individuals departing from Tunisia have reportedly reached European shores this year.

This image, taken by a migrant, shows sub-Saharan Africans stranded on a beach at the Tunisia-Libya border.