At least 16 people have died in shipwrecks off Tunisia and Western Sahara as North Africa faces a spike in Europe-bound sea crossings. Tunisia in particular has become a major gateway for refugees, primarily from other parts of Africa, attempting perilous voyages in the hopes of a better life. Lots of bodies are being found at sea, suggesting there are many shipwrecks we never hear about,” he said. Nearly 90,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Italy so far this year, according to United Nations refugee agency. Xenophobic attacks targeting Black African refugees, migrants and students have increased across the country since Saied’s February remarks, and many have lost jobs and housing.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 07, 2023 17:08 UTC