A newborn baby has been found dead on a boat carrying migrants to the Italian island of Lampedusa - where thousands have arrived in just a few days. There has been a surge in arrivals on Lampedusa this week, prompting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to issue a fresh call for a naval blockade. It has become a major headache for Ms Meloni, whose right-wing government has pledged to curb illegal immigration. Ms Meloni has also called for a deal with Tunisia, aimed at stemming the flow in return for funding, to be implemented. "I intend to reiterate a request for an immediate EU mission to block the departure of migrant boats," said Ms Meloni.

Source: The North Africa Journal September 16, 2023 16:35 UTC