Rights groups are concerned the EC deal, in following its anti-migrant agenda, props up Tunisia’s authoritarianism. The deal includes 105 million euros ($113m) for border management, search and rescue operations, and anti-smuggling initiatives. Italy’s ‘superficial’ stabilisation questThe European visit included the participation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Italian and Dutch Prime Ministers Giorgia Meloni and Mark Rutte, respectively. In advance of the visit, Matteo de Bellis, a researcher at Amnesty International, called out Italy in particular for turning a blind eye to Tunisia’s repression. “In attempting to stop departures, Italy has offered the Tunisian government help without demanding greater respect for human rights.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 14, 2023 22:54 UTC