Sfax’s coastline has become a major departure point for people fleeing poverty in Africa and the Middle East for better life opportunities in Europe.
In recent months, hundreds of people have drowned off the Tunisian coast, with an increase in the frequency of attempted crossings from Tunisia and Libya towards Italy.
In light of an unprecedented economic and financial crisis in Tunisia, more than 18,000 Tunisians are set to travel by boat to Europe in 2022, according to the rights group Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights.