Tunisian President Extends State of Emergency for Another 11 Months
In a move that has sparked widespread concern, Tunisian President Kais Saied has extended the country's state of emergency for another 11 months. This decision has been met with growing discontent among citizens, who are increasingly frustrated with Saied's authoritarian rule.A Long-Running State of Emergency
The state of emergency was first declared on November 24, 2015, following a bomb attack on a bus carrying the presidential guards. Twelve agents lost their lives in the incident. Since then, it has been repeatedly extended, with Saied citing the need to maintain order and stability in the country.
Growing Discontent Among Citizens
In recent weeks, hundreds of people have taken to the streets of Tunis to protest against Saied's increasingly authoritarian rule. Many are concerned about the erosion of democratic freedoms and the suppression of dissenting voices. The protests have been met with a heavy police presence, with some participants facing arrest and detention.
Saied's Power Grab
In July 2021, Saied suspended parliament and expanded executive power, allowing him to rule by decree. This move was widely criticized as an attempt to consolidate power and undermine the country's democratic institutions. Since then, many of his critics have been jailed, further fueling concerns about the state of democracy in Tunisia.
The Impact on Tunisian Society
The extension of the state of emergency has significant implications for Tunisian society. It allows the authorities to carry out home arrests, ban official meetings, impose curfews, censor the media, and prohibit assemblies without permission from the judiciary. These measures have been widely criticized as an attack on civil liberties and human rights.
The extension of the state of emergency in Tunisia is a worrying development that highlights the country's ongoing struggle with democratic governance. As citizens continue to protest against Saied's authoritarian rule, it remains to be seen whether the government will listen to their concerns or maintain its grip on power.
