In the olive groves of the Al Amra region, 30 kilometers north of Sfax, thousands of African migrants are trapped with nowhere else to go. These fields have become their last refuge after many fled the city center, where they faced attacks from both Tunisian security forces and local residents.
Since the Tunisia-EU migration deal, land and sea controls have tightened significantly, making it nearly impossible for boats to depart from Sfax. For those hiding in the olive groves, even a simple trip to buy bread carries immense risk—they could be apprehended by the Tunisian National Guard and forcibly sent to Libya.
ISIS attack
Following the ISIS attack in Ben Guerdane in 2016, Tunisia reinforced its border with Libya, notably by digging a trench along the length of the frontier. Only a few controlled entry and exit points were left open in the desert to regulate the movement of so-called "goods smugglers" between the two countries. I previously reported on this trench system, and I suspect that these same routes are now being used for the smuggling of Sub-Saharan migrants.
On Thursday, February 8th, I filmed a news report for ARTE. The following day, one of the migrants we had interviewed, Ismaël, was apprehended and sent to Libya. Along with other migrants, he was handed over—or possibly sold—to a Libyan group or militia. The militia provided them with a phone and ordered them to contact their families or friends to demand a ransom for their release.
From the detention center, Ismaël continued to send us messages and videos. We remained in contact with IOM, HRW, and other organizations in an effort to secure his freedom.
Eventually, the IOM secured Ismaël’s release. For his safety, ARTE removed the video from their website. Today, we have no contact with him.
VIDEOS filmed BY Ismaël while he was in AL Assah
Buses to transport subsaharan migrants to the border with Libya- Filmed with an iPhone, geotagged file.
Tunisian authorities have halted the issuance of accreditation for foreign and local journalists to cover any migration related stories.
the following videos I filmed on the 9th and 10th February 2024 in The Olive tree camp, in AL Amra.
The camp
"Aicha’s Journey: Hope, Tragedy, and Her Brother’s Death in the Desert"
Aicha, a Sierra Leonean mother of four, was persuaded by her brother who had successfully reached Tunisia to follow the same path. Taking her youngest daughter, Aminata, she attempted to cross from Algeria to Tunisia but was attacked by a criminal group. As a result, she had to spend some time in Kasserine hospital. Although initially refused admission, a Tunisian nurse facilitated her treatment, and she eventually recovered and reunited with her brother. However, their time together was short-lived as he was subsequently caught by the national guards and sent to the desert, where he perished. Aicha now regrets embarking on the journey but fears returning due to potential political issues.
Osman, from Gambia, decided to embark on a journey with his brother. Their father, who was part of the UDP party in Gambia, was imprisoned and later killed after losing the election. When they reached Tunisia, Osman was caught and sent to the desert. Unfortunately, his brother lost his life in the desert after being shot in the leg. He was never buried.
SENT TO ALGERIA
Aboubakar Fofana, a Sierra Leonean, had to jump from a two-storey building in Sfax to escape when Tunisians attacked their house. He broke his leg during the escape and sought refuge in a nearby mosque, where an ambulance was called. He was sent to the border with Algeria.
Police and national guards raid this and similar camps from time to time. On the 12th of October 2023, Aicha II, a Sierra Leonean, was cooking outside her tent when police raided. She accidentally burnt herself with boiling water while trying to run away.
Biafra War- Nigeria
Samanka fled Nigeria because of the Biafran war, during which most of her family perished. After walking long distances, she underwent foot surgery. Immediately after the surgery, she was forced to walk again to reach the camp.
Amputated
Amos from Sierra Leone started his journey in 2021. While attempting to cross from Algeria to Tunisia, he was shot in the leg and subsequently had to undergo amputation.