Tunisia Calls for Increased European Financial Assistance Amid Migration Crisis

Tunisia's Prime Minister, Ahmed Hachani, urged European nations to offer more financial help to tackle the sub-Saharan migrant influx. Facing local protests and high costs, Tunisia struggles with migrants seeking better lives in Europe. A recent €150 million EU aid package is deemed insufficient for the persistent issue.

Tunisia's Prime Minister, Ahmed Hachani, on Wednesday called on European countries to boost financial aid to his nation and others, addressing the surge of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.

Facing local unrest and financial strain, Tunisia sees thousands of migrants in towns like Amra and Jbeniana, hoping to reach Europe despite dangerous sea journeys. The government states current aid is insufficient.

Prime Minister Hachani stressed the burden on public finances and called Tunisia a 'victim country.' The European Union allocated €150 million in March to support Tunisian stability and combat illegal migration, but officials like Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Al-Dabaiba argue the funds should target origin countries.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized addressing root causes in those nations. As of January 2024, Libya hosts over 706,000 migrants, according to the International Organization for Migration.

(With inputs from agencies.)