Germany’s Foreign Minister Seeks Stability in North Africa Amid Rising Migration Pressures Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul concluded his visit to Tunisia and Algeria with renewed commitments to economic cooperation and security partnerships aimed at curbing migration flows from the region. During his trip, he met with both country's leaders, Tunisian President Kais Saied and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and secured promises of increased gas deliveries to Germany ahead of winter. The visits followed heightened tensions over migration, particularly after a surge in migrants attempting to cross into Spain’s North African enclave, Ceuta, which drew global attention in late July. The German government has long sought to strengthen ties with North African nations as part of its broader strategy to manage irregular migration. Wadephul emphasized during an interview with ARD that economic stability and security cooperation are essential to reducing the number of people fleeing the region. “If people don’t have to flee, they won’t,” he stated. His efforts come amid growing concerns over the humanitarian impact of migration, especially following reports of deaths in the Mediterranean and allegations of human rights violations against migrants by local authorities. In Tunisia, Wadephul was received by both Prime Minister Mohamed Nafti and President Saied, despite ongoing political instability. The country faces severe economic challenges, including power shortages and water rationing due to drought and production disruptions. Protests have erupted across the nation, fueled by public discontent with Saied’s authoritarian governance. Despite these tensions, Wadephul highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that Tunisia is Germany’s third-largest export market and a key partner for the automotive industry. Over 7,500 Tunisians study in Germany, contributing significantly to the country’s healthcare sector through skilled professionals. Wadephul also addressed the issue of terrorism and Islamist extremism, particularly in the Sahel region, which he described as major drivers of migration. He called for stronger joint efforts to ensure regional stability, stressing that cooperation must extend beyond border control to address root causes. However, critics argue that such measures risk reinforcing authoritarian regimes. Migrants' rights advocates, including researcher Judith Kohlenberger, have raised concerns over alleged abuses by Tunisian security forces, who reportedly detain migrants in the desert without food or water. Kohlenberger noted that these practices are not only tolerated but also supported by European funding under the EU-Tunisia migration agreement signed in 2023. Meanwhile, in Algeria, Wadephul focused on energy cooperation, emphasizing the country’s role as a key supplier of natural gas to Europe. Algeria, though politically authoritarian, remains economically more stable than neighboring Tunisia. Wadephul expressed optimism about future opportunities in renewable energy, particularly hydrogen production, which could position Germany as a strategic partner in the region. The visit coincided with the arrival of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Algiers, highlighting the growing diplomatic engagement among European powers in North Africa. Despite these efforts, questions remain about the effectiveness of current strategies. Critics point to the continued reliance on authoritarian regimes, which often prioritize national interests over human rights. Kohlenberger warned that while the EU has reduced the number of arrivals, the number of deaths in the Mediterranean has not declined proportionally. She argued that the focus on border control risks legitimizing oppressive systems and failing to address systemic issues driving migration. As Wadephul returns home, the challenge lies in balancing geopolitical interests with ethical considerations. With far-right parties gaining traction in Germany, the need for unity and solidarity has never been greater. The success of future initiatives will depend not only on policy agreements but also on sustained support for civil society and independent journalism in the region.
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