The deterioration of the security situation in the Sahel, particularly in Mali, is reviving concerns in Tunisia linked to irregular migration and security risks. Faced with these regional tensions, the authorities are strengthening international cooperation and border control systems
The Press — The question of irregular migration has come back insistently in recent days at the heart of public debate in Tunisia. Against the backdrop of the serious deterioration of the security situation in Mali, marked in particular by the capture of the strategic town of Kidal, located in the north of the country, by Tuareg rebels allied with jihadist groups. This new development raises fears, according to experts, of a massive exodus of inhabitants towards the countries of the Arab Maghreb, including Tunisia.
Following the worsening of the situation in this country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a press release on Tuesday April 28 in which it underlined that “Tunisia follows with deep concern the serious armed attacks which targeted several towns in Mali, including the capital Bamako, and which caused numerous victims. Tunisia also firmly condemns the use of armed violence targeting this African country and reaffirms its full solidarity with the brotherly Malian people, as well as its rejection of any attack on the unity of Mali, its sovereignty, its security and its stability.
Logically, the crisis, which is part of a broader instability in the Sahel, raises fears of a domino effect towards the Maghreb countries. And it is precisely in this context that voices have been raised to alert the authorities against the threats looming over our country. Some experts have not failed to emphasize that our country is called upon to demonstrate greater vigilance due to the risk of infiltration of terrorist elements through waves of irregular migration to the northern shore of the Mediterranean, in other words towards Europe.
Risk of new waves of irregular migration
To this end, and during a recent session at the Assembly of People’s Representatives, MP Yassine Mami did not fail to warn of “a situation considered increasingly worrying, in a regional context marked by strong security turbulence”. According to him, “African migrants in an irregular situation in our country, in particular those originating from sub-Saharan Africa, today represent a source of concern in Tunisia.
He underlines, to this end, that “the situation in Mali, marked by an intensification of unrest, coups d’état and a decline in stability, places us face to face with the need for increased reinforcement to protect our country.” What is happening today in Mali is no longer just an internal affair, but has become a pressure factor for the entire region, from the Sahel to North Africa. Tunisia, due to its geographical position, could be among the countries affected by possible waves of mass migration from sub-Saharan Africa, he adds.
According to him, this situation requires anticipatory measures. “National security is no longer protected only by weapons, but also by anticipation, planning and the ability to analyze transformations before they become crises within our borders.” Evoking the pride and confidence of Tunisians in military and security institutions in the defense of the homeland, he added in particular that the protection of borders and the fight against all threats, new challenges, require us to make a qualitative change in the means of surveillance and anticipation. According to him “it is no longer enough to rely solely on human effort in the face of a vast desert, but it is becoming necessary to rely more on advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to protect our borders today”.
Deputy Yassine Mami concludes that the Tunisian people, in their position, both official and popular, are in harmony on this point. “Tunisia is not a land of settlement, will not be, and will not be a land of transit either. However, to achieve this position, it is essential to put in place concrete measures on the ground likely to strengthen the feeling of security among citizens. Especially since the speeches circulating on social networks and made by certain actors, aimed at trivializing an illegal settlement of migrants, are unacceptable and must be firmly controlled.”
Increased international coordination
It must be said that the military and security authorities are well seasoned and do not lack proactive actions in the face of the aforementioned threats. Indeed, and faced with the rise of security challenges linked to terrorism and irregular migration, they are displaying increased awareness and are banking on strategic strengthening of their capacities, relying both on international cooperation and on advanced technological means.
In this regard, the Tunisian, Algerian and Libyan presidents met in April 2024 in Tunis during a tripartite consultative summit. On this occasion, they announced enhanced cooperation, in particular the creation of working groups to combat irregular migration and organized crime, in order to secure common borders.
This convergence of actions also resulted in the signing, last October, of a new military cooperation agreement between our country and Algeria in order to strengthen their strategic partnership. This agreement, which complements that of 2001, expands cooperation to several areas such as education, training, exchange of information and joint participation in military exercises. The two countries insist on the need for increased coordination in the face of the security, economic and geopolitical challenges of the region, in particular to secure their borders.
Still in terms of cooperation, Tunisia received, in January 2026, new equipment provided by the European Union as part of the Border Management Program, aimed at strengthening the country’s land and maritime surveillance. The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting our country with €130 million in funding to improve border security, sea rescue operations and the fight against trafficking and smuggling networks.
Since 2018, this program has helped strengthen the capacities of the National Guard and the Coast Guard through modern equipment, training and operational support, contributing to a reduction in irregular crossings and human losses at sea.
The third phase of the program, running until 2028, includes the deployment of advanced radar infrastructure in order to consolidate coastal surveillance and search and rescue missions.
It is still necessary to insist, in the end, on the sustained partnership with the United States, marked by regular exchanges between security and military officials. The meetings held in early 2026 with the Ministers of Defense and the Interior focused in particular on the fight against terrorism, cybercrime, trafficking and the management of migratory flows.
On the ground, this cooperation takes the form of significant material support, with the delivery of a C-130H military aircraft intended to strengthen the logistical capabilities of the Tunisian army, as well as the supply of security equipment worth $1.4 million as part of the fight against terrorism.
So many initiatives which illustrate a proactive approach combining international partnerships and increasingly sophisticated tools for controlling our borders.
