Ben Guerdane Protests Erupt After Migrant Boat Sinks, 12 Dead

Tunisia’s southeastern town of Ben Guerdane has been rocked by violent protests following a maritime tragedy that left at least 12 people dead. The disaster occurred when a small boat carrying 15 passengers capsized off the coast near the town, prompting an outpouring of anger from local residents who blamed authorities for inadequate safety measures and alleged neglect of the area’s fishing community.

Security forces deployed to contain the unrest faced clashes with demonstrators, resulting in several injuries and the temporary closure of nearby streets and markets. Government officials confirmed the death toll and announced an investigation into the circumstances of the sinking, while pledging to improve maritime safety protocols. The incident has heightened scrutiny of coastal infrastructure and emergency response capabilities in Tunisia’s border regions.