Lampedusa, the Italian island, is facing a crisis situation as it struggles with a surge in boat migrant arrivals from North Africa, with thousands landing over the past two days, according to local officials. On Thursday the 14th of September, the island’s mayor described the situation as “dramatic”, reports Reuters.
According to mayor Filippo Mannino, Lampedusa has seen approximately 7 000 migrants arrive in the past 48 hours, creating a crisis situation on the island. He
called for immediate support from both Europe and the Italian state
for a swift transfer of people to address the dire situation.
The situation is becoming critical in Lampedusa, Italy, after 8000 migrants arrived to the island by boat in just 48 hours.
As more boats are setting out today, the Italian government considers introducing a naval blockade.
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— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) September 14, 2023
This influx is overwhelming for an island with a usual population of just over 6,000 residents. Lampedusa’s reception center has an official capacity of approximately 400 people. Hundreds of migrants were subsequently transferred to Porto Empedocle in Sicily via an overnight ferry, where volunteers provided food assistance.
The influx of migrants is a challenge for Italy’s right-wing government led by Giorgia Meloni, which vowed to tighten immigration controls. Despite efforts to improve relations with Tunisia and a one-billion-euro EU-funded agreement to support Tunisia’s economy, Italy is still dealing with migration issues.
Italy has experienced nearly 124 000 sea migrant arrivals since the beginning of the year, nearly double the figure from the same period in 2022. In response, on Wednesday, the 13th of September, the German government has suspended an agreement with Italy for the voluntary acceptance of refugees, alleging that Rome has not upheld its end of the deal.
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