The African Union has full understanding of Tunisia’s official position on migration, the organisation’s commissioners for political affairs, peace and security and health, humanitarian affairs and social development said as they met Friday with President of the Republic Kais Saïed in Carthage.

Bankole Adeoye and Cessouma Minata Samate hailed the measures announced by Tunisia in a bid to facilitate the residence of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and ensure their protection.

The President said those who desperately want to level racism accusations against Tunisia can by no means be aware of its people’s principled support of the just causes in Africa.

The President said the accusations and virulent campaigns orchestrated following his remarks in connection to the migratory flows from sub-Saharan Africa are designed to tarnish the country’s image and manipulate the public opinion against Tunisia.

“Tunisia has its own laws which apply to all as it has its own traditions and tenets in cooperation and mutual help with African countries,” he was quoted as saying in a Presidency press release.

The President reminded of the historic role played by Tunisia in supporting national liberation movements in the continent.

Tunisia, which is proud of its African belonging, will not abandon the principles underlying its relations with African peoples, he further said.

Saïed also said Africa and Africans regretfully paid a very high price for policies they did not choose.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse