The number of migrants reaching the southern Italy is reaching new records. Over the weekend, a total of 5,573 people were reported to have made their way to the EU territory. Many fear the beginnings of another migration crisis.
The bodies of 29 migrants from sub-Saharan African countries have been recovered off the Tunisian coast after three migrant vessels suffered shipwreck. The latest tragedy comes after Tunisia's President gave a speech last month, in which he tried to turn public sentiment against irregular migrants, resulting in a growing exodus.
On Thursday, the Italian coast guard rescued around 750 migrants from two boats off the coast of Italy. Last month, a shipwreck off the Italian coast of Calabria killed at least 89 people, making it the worst maritime tragedy in recent history.
At least five African migrants died and another 28 are missing after their boat sank off Tunisia. They had tried to cross the Mediterranean to Italy. This was reported by a local rights group.
The EU is watching the political and economic situation in Tunisia closely. The bloc fears that increasing instability in Tunisia could drive up migration towards Europe.
Xenophobic violence against people from sub-Saharan Africa has increased after widely criticized remarks by Tunisia's president. In February, President Kais Saied said migrants from the south were part of an international plot to change the country's demographic makeup.
Tunisian President Kais Saied has ordered security forces to "halt the illegal migration of African migrants into the country." But has North Africa really become the new go-to destination for African migrants and refugees? DW looks at the facts.
Over 1,300 migrants arrived by boat at Lampedusa on Tuesday and Wednesday from Tunisia. In a press release, the Italian coast guard patted themselves on the back for saving 38 of them.
Fifty-four migrants from sub-Saharan Africa were rescued after a boat capsized in the Mediterranean Sea off Tunisia, officials announced Thursday. The incident took place as Tunisia's government cracks down on sub-Saharan migrants.
Ordinary Tunisians are volunteering to help sub-Saharan African residents who are being persecuted. They say the issues behind the current crisis — racism and migration — should have been tackled long ago.
An anti-migrant crackdown and rise in racist attacks in Tunisia has pushed some sub-Saharan migrants to fly back to their home countries. Meanwhile, protests against President Kais Saied's anti-migrant statements continue.
President Kais Saied's comments have incited attacks on sub-Saharan migrants amid a wider crackdown. But the African Union and others have called for apologies, giving migrants hope.