Unusual Suspects: Case Studies in Tunisia’s Crackdown on Civil Society

Tunisia’s recent trajectory has been marked by a serious regression in terms of civil liberties, particularly since 2023. The space for civil society has receded, with executive authorities wielding the law as a tool to target rights defenders, humanitarian organizations, and outspoken critics of the current government. This in-depth review presents the stories of seven individuals—Saadia Mosbah, Saloua Ghrissa, Imen Ouardani, Mustapha Djemali, Abdallah Saïd, Sherifa Riahi, and Sonia Dahmani—each of whom has faced arrest, prosecution, or extended detention for work previously regarded as necessary for Tunisia’s nascent democracy. By examining these cases in detail, we can understand the mechanisms at work against and consequences endured by those whose pursuits are humanitarian, anti-racist, or openly critical of the government in present-day Tunisia.

Media Aida Fitouri 07 June 2025

Associative radio in Tunisia: From post-revolutionary hope to silent abandonment

Hard-won by civil society in the momentum of the 2011 revolution, associative radio stations once carried the hope of a free and pluralistic media landscape. Riding on early enthusiasm and supported by NGOs and international funders, they promised to play a key role in the country’s democratic transition. Little by little, however, this hope has eroded, giving way to growing disillusionment. Today, associative radios are marginalized, left to their own devices, and struggling to survive.

Rights Najla Ben Salah 23 December 2024

Migration in Tunisia: The government’s doublespeak

Praised for its “feats” by Italy’s extreme right, the immigration policy implemented by President Kais Saied builds off a strategy whose objectives are twofold. Here is how the government has succeeded in killing two birds with one stone.

Civil Society Rihab Boukhayatia 18 August 2023

Tunisia: Kais Saied tightens his grip on civil society

A number of NGOs have expressed indignation at the recent humanitarian crisis involving migrants driven out of Sfax, and the government is not impressed. Associations openly critical of authorities are blaring on the president’s radar, as acts of intimidation targeting certain organizations portend an open war against civil society’s dissenting voices.

Blogs Emna Elloumi 07 March 2022

Marine pollution in Tunisia: Pandemic at a tipping point

You take a walk by the seaside, thirsty for the Tunisian scenery and the beauty of the azure waves brushing the strands of beach sand. Instead, the first things your eyes catch are stray plastic cups, bags, straws, and the list goes on. Marine pollution in Tunisia has always been, but only became a red flag in the past few years when international NGOs started to loudly voice their concerns about the disastrous levels reached in the Mediterranean Sea.

Rights Rihab Boukhayatia 21 February 2022

Freedom to form associations: The Bouden government’s restrictive draft law

It was with sealed lips that the Bouden government elaborated a draft law concerning the organization of associations. Recently leaked to several NGOs, the proposed legislation contains provisions which hint at why authorities might prefer to remain tight-lipped about the measure in question.

Civil Society Vanessa Szakal 16 November 2016

Governance of civil society associations: the gap between legislation and practice

Since the revolution, the number of civil society associations in Tunisia has more doubled, reaching some 19 thousand. In the context of establishing a “participative democracy” with citizens and civil society as principal actors (Article 139 of the new constitution), Decree-law 88 of September 2011 guaranteed the “freedom to create, belong to, and carry out activities through associations, and the strengthening of the role of civil society organizations, as well as their development and respect for their independence.”

Themes Karim Mejri 13 July 2012

Status report and perspectives on Tunisian civil society

An EU study group has recently filed its diagnostic report on Tunisian Civil Society (TCS). A look back at the principal elements of this report and some proposals for future action.