In brief
Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti announced a renewed commitment to curb migrant smuggling and prevent the country from becoming a transit or settlement hub. The minister outlined a balanced strategy that blends security, humanitarian aid and international cooperation, and highlighted efforts to address root causes such as poverty and unemployment. He also noted a partnership with the International Organization for Migration to aid voluntary returns and reintegration.
Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti announced on Thursday that Tunisia would intensify its fight against migrant smuggling networks, rejecting any attempt for the country to become a transit or settlement point for irregular migrants.
"Tunisia will continue its efforts to combat migrant smuggling networks and rejects any attempt to turn its territory into a transit or settlement country for migrants,"the minister said, according to Xinhua.
Nafti emphasized that Tunisia’s approach goes beyond security measures. The nation aims to protect its borders, safeguard national sovereignty, and crack down on smuggling and trafficking while maintaining dignified treatment for migrants and respecting their rights.
The minister outlined a comprehensive, balanced strategy that supports regular and organized migration routes, combats irregular flows, and tackles root causes—particularly poverty, unemployment and socio‑economic disparities—across the region.
He called for stronger cooperation and solidarity among countries of origin, transit and destination, framing it as a shared responsibility to achieve sustainable migration management. Tunisia is also working closely with the International Organization for Migration on voluntary return assistance and reintegration programmes to ensure safe and dignified returns for migrants wishing to go home.
Only Xinhua reported the detail that Tunisia is strengthening its coordination with the International Organization for Migration for voluntary return assistance, a point not mentioned in the private radio statement from Mosaique FM.
