TUNIS - A growing number of African migrants living in Tunisia is willing to take the risk of crossing the Mediterranean from the North African country and for the first time the majority on the boats trying to cross the sea is not Tunisian. So far this year at least 453 migrants have died trying to reach Europe from North Africa, the International Organisation for Migration says. “Despite the shipwrecks, despite our mourning families, we are always ready to risk our lives,” said Prista Kone, 28, from Ivory Coast. Deals between Italy and Libya, another key jumping off point for Europe, have likewise “complicated departures”, with more migrants trying to leave from Tunisia, he said. With seas calmer in the coming summer months, many expect more Tunisians and African migrants to risk the crossing too.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 03, 2021 11:48 UTC