Tunisia leader reassures migrants after backlash

Sub-Saharan Africans living legally in Tunisia, Kais Saied, has urged them to be "reassured" that they won't suffer because of his position against migrants.

However, he insisted that illegal immigration was creating "demographic" changes in the nation and vowed to deport anyone in the country illegally.

The president discussed the nation's security condition with the interior minister during their meeting.

Mr. Saied had directed security organizations to clamp down on unauthorized immigration from sub-Saharan African nations on Tuesday.

His alleged comments that unlawful immigration was affecting the demographics of the nation were criticized as racist by human rights organizations in the nation.

According to a statement made by the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) on Wednesday, Mr. Saied's comments were "drowning in racism and hate."

On Thursday, Mr. Saied refuted the claim, claiming that those who had accused him of racism were only looking to sow division and sour ties with other nations.

For migrants trying to traverse the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe, Tunisia is a crucial transit country.