Tunisia gets ready for refugee influx from neighboring Libya
Tunisia is preparing to receive a large influx of refugees in the event of escalation in neighboring Libya.
During the National Security Council meeting at the presidential palace Jan. 7, Tunisian President Kais Saied stressed the need for major security and humanitarian preparations to receive refugees from Libya in light of the escalation of fighting in its neighboring country. During his speech, Saied also emphasized the possibility of terrorist groups infiltrating along with the refugees.
The Tunisian president urged concerned countries and organizations such as the European Union and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide financial aid so that Tunisia could rise up to this challenge, stressing the need to monitor the land, sea and air borders and provide health care in the event of any emergency.
The forces of military commander Gen. Khalifa Hifter, who is supported by foreign powers such as the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and France, have been launching attacks since February against the forces of the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) headed by Fayez al-Sarraj. The GNA is backed by Turkey and seeks to take control of the Libyan capital, Tripoli.
On Jan. 6, the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Hifter’s forces for bombing the Military Academy, south of Tripoli, which resulted in the death of 30 students.
