As of June 1, the turnstile counter on the ministry’s dashboard read 14,412 arrivals from North Africa. The number is almost three times greater than the number of arrivals in the same period in 2020. “The number of migrants who reached Italy in May amount to 5,399, compared to 1,654 who arrived in the same month last year — an enormous inflow. With weather conditions remaining favorable as we approach the summer, migrant crossings via the Mediterranean Sea will multiply. Italian Ministry of Defense sources confirm that Guerini plans to reinforce the small national military contingent already operating in Takuba, Niger.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 03, 2021 12:34 UTC