Muzzling critics, Tunisia on footsteps of its Algerian mentor

Quelling peaceful dissent and arresting independent journalists is now a common practice in Tunisia as it backpedals on democracy under the leadership of authoritarian president Kais Saied, following the example of his protectors in military-ruled Algeria.

After amassing all powers in a firm grip, President Saied launched an unrelenting campaign against peaceful opposition figures, throwing scores in jail. The latest target in this ruthless crackdown was Noureddine Bhiri, a senior official in the biggest opposition party Ennahda and a prominent critic of Saied.

The Tunisian police also arrested Noureddine Boutar, head of Radio M which frequently broadcast criticism of Saied.

Similarly, Tunisian authorities detained political activist and lawyer Lazhar Akremi to mention but a few prominent activists who have been silenced in a what many describe as a return to a Police state, worse than Ben Ali’s regime.

These arrests came in the wake of Tunisia’s attempt to hand Franco-Algerian opposition figure Amira Bouraoui who was spared a horrendous fate after French pressure to let her leave Tunisia to France.

Amira Bouraoui’s case is yet another example of cash-strapped Tunisia, doing dirty job for its paymaster Algeria. Previous examples of Tunisia handing opposition figures to the Algerian military include the case of Slimane Bouhafs, a Kabyle refugee and pro-democracy activist registered with UNHCR, who was kidnapped in August 2021 by Algerian secret agents in full sight of Tunisian authorities.

These blatant rights violations take place as Tunisia steers to default and social instability amid hurdles to get a lifeline from the IMF. As Tunisia’s financial stability erodes so does its sovereignty leaving the country under the mercy of an autocrat protected by a ruthless neighboring military regime that is not interested to see a democratic state nearby for fear of a spill over that may stoke a new Hirak style pro-democracy protest.

Tunisians should brace for more oppression which will tighten as the financial crisis bites in a context where President Saied turned his country into a vassal state depending on Algeria’s charity.

Algeria’s charity comes at a heavy price: The loss of sovereignty, backtracking on rights and serving Algiers hegemonic agenda in the region including through supporting separatists in the larger region, and this is unfortunately what Tunisia is experiencing under Kais Saied.