VIDEO. Lebanon, the castaways of the crisis

On September 22, 2022, Wissam Talawi’s life came to an end. This Lebanese from a poor region in the north of the country, had embarked on a clandestine boat with his wife and four children aged 4 to 9 to reach Europe by the Mediterranean. But the boat sank, along with his relatives. Wissam is one of twenty survivors out of around 150 passengers, rescued after 48 hours in the water. Today, he no longer has a family, no house (sold to the smuggler to pay for their trip), all he has left are memories.

80% of Lebanese now live below the poverty line

In recent months, several thousand Lebanese have attempted a clandestine crossing, migrants whose number has almost tripled in one year according to the United Nations, above all fleeing a devastating economic crisis that has plagued their country since 2019. More than 80% of Lebanese live today below the poverty line, while inflation and crime continue to increase and relations between residents and the military are strained. The elites already left at the start of the crisis three years ago: 40% of doctors and 30% of nurses left the country according to the WHO.

Some profit from the desperation of the Lebanese, traffickers ready to make them dangle better days in Europe. “Special Envoy” found one of the smugglers who organize clandestine trips for 3,000 to 7,000 euros, and candidates for exile.

A report by Nicolas Bertrand, Fabien Fougère, Sophie Guignon, Laurent Laughlin and Jihad Jneid broadcast in “Special Envoy” on February 23, 2023.

> Replays of France Télévisions news magazines are available on the franceinfo website and its mobile application (iOS & Android), “Magazines” section.