Stranded migrants confront violence and despair as Tunisia partners to keep them from Europe
By SAM METZ
Associated Press
EL AMRA, Tunisia (AP) — Europe’s efforts to partner with neighboring countries to curb migration have resulted in thousands of migrants being stranded in Tunisia. Tunisia’s authorities with EU funds have successfully prevented tens of thousands of people from crossing the Mediterranean. But thousands more are now encamped in small towns along the coast where they hide in olive groves and wait for a chance to cross the sea. They have no money to return home. Their presence has unleashed a xenophobic backlash in Tunisia, whose many residents are also trying to get to Europe in search of a better life.
