Tunisia’s Descent: Hunger Strikes Signal a Deepening Political Crisis

A chilling statistic underscores the urgency of the situation in Tunisia: since President Kais Saied’s power grab in 2021, the number of politically motivated detentions has risen by over 600%, according to the Tunisian League for Human Rights. This escalating repression, now marked by a wave of hunger strikes led by prominent opposition figures, isn’t simply a domestic issue – it’s a warning sign for democratic backsliding in the region and a potential catalyst for wider instability.

The Widening Protest: Solidarity Through Deprivation

The current crisis centers on Jawhar Ben Mbarek, a constitutional law professor and co-founder of the National Salvation Front, who began a hunger strike on October 29th protesting his detention since February 2023. His deteriorating health has prompted a remarkable show of solidarity. Leaders from across the political spectrum, including veteran activist Ezzeddine Hazgui (Ben Mbarek’s father), Issam Chebbi of the Al Joumhouri Party, and even the 84-year-old Rached Ghannouchi, head of the Ennahdha party, have joined Ben Mbarek in a hunger strike. This unified act of defiance, despite deep ideological differences, highlights the severity of the perceived injustice and the shared fear for Tunisia’s future.

The Charges and the Controversy

Ben Mbarek and others face charges of “conspiracy against state security” and, in some cases, “belonging to a terrorist group” – accusations widely dismissed by human rights organizations as politically motivated. The mass trials that led to their lengthy sentences (Ben Mbarek received 18 years, Ghannouchi over 20) have been condemned for lacking due process and transparency. Ghannouchi, despite maintaining his innocence regarding charges of money laundering, frames his protest as a defense of “the independence of justice and freedom in the country.” The recent five-year sentence handed down to lawyer Ahmed Souab under the draconian Decree Law 54 – often referred to as the “fake news” law – further illustrates the shrinking space for dissent.

Saied’s Power Grab and the Erosion of Liberties

The roots of this crisis lie in President Saied’s actions beginning in July 2021. His dissolution of parliament, expansion of executive power, and subsequent rule by decree effectively dismantled Tunisia’s nascent democratic institutions. The 2022 constitutional referendum, boycotted by a significant portion of the population, cemented these changes, granting Saied near-absolute authority. This power grab wasn’t unforeseen; analysts at the International Crisis Group warned of the potential for authoritarian drift as early as 2021, citing Saied’s increasingly populist rhetoric and disregard for constitutional norms.

The “Fake News” Law and the Silencing of Critics

Decree Law 54, enacted in 2022, has become a key tool in suppressing dissent. Its vaguely worded provisions criminalize speech deemed harmful to “public order” or “national security,” effectively stifling critical journalism and online activism. The sentencing of Ahmed Souab demonstrates the law’s chilling effect, creating a climate of self-censorship and fear. This isn’t merely about controlling information; it’s about dismantling the infrastructure of accountability that underpins a functioning democracy.

Beyond Ben Mbarek: A Broader Crisis of Accountability

The hunger strikes are a desperate plea for attention to a systemic problem. The Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK rightly points out that Tunisian law mandates the state’s responsibility to protect the life of prisoners, even those on hunger strike, and to provide adequate medical care. However, reports suggest a lack of transparency and potential negligence in monitoring the health of detainees. This disregard for basic human rights reflects a broader crisis of accountability, where the rule of law is increasingly subservient to the will of the executive.

The Risk of Radicalization and Regional Instability

The suppression of peaceful opposition carries significant risks. As legitimate avenues for political expression are closed off, frustration and resentment can fester, potentially leading to radicalization and violence. Tunisia’s strategic location and its history as a relatively stable democracy in a turbulent region make this a particularly concerning development. A descent into authoritarianism could not only destabilize Tunisia itself but also have ripple effects across North Africa and beyond.

The situation in Tunisia demands urgent attention from the international community. While external pressure alone won’t solve the problem, it can help to amplify the voices of those fighting for democracy and human rights, and to hold President Saied accountable for his actions. The hunger strikes are a stark reminder that the fight for freedom is often a matter of life and death. What steps will international actors take to support Tunisian civil society and prevent further erosion of democratic principles?