Tunisia - February 2023

The Tunisian authorities carried out a security crackdown over the month of February that included raids and detentions of prominent opposition politicians, activists, judges, media figures, labor union and business leaders. An estimated 20 individuals linked to criticism or efforts to mobilize demonstrations against the president were arrested by the police and several remain in anti-terrorism detention centers. President Kais Saied has denounced the detainees as ‘terrorists’ and ‘traitors’ accused of alleged ‘conspiracy against internal and external state security.’ Tunisia’s police, Ministry of Interior and Justice Ministry have not provided any comment on the wave of arrests this month, which represent the largest opposition crackdown in recent years. Despite increasing repression in other areas, many media outlets have been able to continue to criticize the government freely.

Sources: Reuters, North Africa Post, Human Rights Watch , Al Jazeera, Arab News

President Kais Saied delivered a speech this month with some racially charged remarks stating that Black migrants were responsible for most crime in the country, instructing officials to take ‘urgent measures’ to tackle irregular migration. In his declaration, the President alleged that there is ‘a criminal plan’ designed ‘to change the demographic structure of Tunisia.’ His remarks came amid a wave of racist abuse targeting Black people in Tunisia and prompted Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Mali to evacuate their citizens from the country. Rights organisations have documented human rights violations including arbitrary arrests and detentions, assaults, evictions, and dismissals in the weeks following Saied's remarks. His speech drew international criticism and concern, using language the African Union denounced as racialised. In response to the criticisms, the President delivered a second statement denying racist accusations and stating that his sole aim was for the police to implement Tunisian law but reiterated the notion of a conspiracy to change the country’s demographics.

Resolution of these matters may be impacted by the resignation of the Interior Minister, Taoufik Charfeddine, who cited family concerns as his reason for departure from government in the middle of March.

Sources: Presidency of the Republic of Tunisia, Middle East Eye (1), North Africa Post, Reuters, Middle East Eye (2), Middle East Monitor Al Jazeera