The price of the ticket — plus a fine for staying three years illegally in Tunisia — costs more than a crossing to Europe. The number risking the dangerous sea crossing from Tunisia is rising and for the first time the majority on the boats are not Tunisians. So far this year at least 453 migrants have died trying to reach Europe from North Africa, the International Organization for Migration says. “For them it is Europe or death!”Coulibaly believes there are some 20,000 people from sub-Saharan nations in Tunisia, nearly two-thirds from Ivory Coast. Deals between Italy and Libya — another key jumping off point for Europe — have likewise “complicated departures”, with more migrants trying to leave from Tunisia, he said.

Source: Libya Today May 03, 2021 04:30 UTC