Tunisian banks barring migrants from accessing their own funds – Researcher

A PhD researcher on bioprotection of plants who goes by the name Jihed on X (formerly Twitter) has once again decried the plight of sub Saharan Africans in Tunisia.

In his latest concern for the people, Jihed Tunisian banks are barring migrants from accessing their own funds.

“Desperation in Amra:About 35km from #Sfax,8,000migrants largely from sub-Saharan African nation,find themselves in deplorable conditions.Between olive shed and prickly pear terrains,hunger and neglect are rampant.

“Reports indicate that during police campaigns,migrants were herded and then abandoned, with claims of physical abuse and confiscation of personal belongings.Some recalls being beaten and dumped in a desolate place without any knowledge of their destination.

“In a shocking move on September 17, 2023, the Ministry of the Interior took a hard stance without coordinating with human rights groups, leading to a notable absence of organizations like the Red Crescent to provide essential aid.”

On the fallout, he said: “Negligence has left migrants without food, treatment, and facing threats from local authorities. It seems there’s a deliberate attempt by #Tunisian authorities to obstruct humanitarian aid, potentially as a strategy to force migrants into voluntary return.

“The situation gets murkier as bureaucratic hurdles are placed before humanitarian groups. They now need licenses from the Interior Ministry to aid #migrants – a deviation from their fundamental mandates.”

Speaking on the economic exploitation, he said: As if the dire circumstances weren’t enough, migrants face economic exploitation. With essential food products missing, some locals have seen this as a business opportunity, selling essential goods to migrants at inflated prices.

“The disparities are glaring. #Migrants are charged double for basic essentials, from bread to water. The question arises: Is ethnic discrimination influencing these price hikes?”

Bank woes:
Many migrants reported that #Tunisian banks are barring them from accessing their own funds, with some being denied services they previously used. The requirement for a residence certificate, which many don’t have, adds to their financial challenges.

Movement Restrictions:
Many migrants are left to traverse vast distances on foot. Public transport is virtually inaccessible to them, either due to explicit denials or fear of repercussions among the drivers.

These restrictions, combined with other hindrances like curbing financial transfers and obstructing humanitarian aid, hint at a larger strategy — one designed to cultivate an environment hostile to migrants, perhaps pressuring them to leave.

Tunisia, once lauded for its human rights approach, is now fostering racism and intolerance. This shift is evident in governmental actions and rhetoric, culminating in forced deportations.

Final Thoughts:
International actors, meant to oversee and intervene in such crises, notably UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration,have been called out for their lacklustre performance.
The ongoing crisis underscores a need for immediate action.