Summary:

During a 7 December 2023 meeting with Minister of Justice Leila Jaffel, President Kais Saied raised additional concerns about the foreign funding received by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Tunisia, stating that some are affiliated with “foreign intelligence services.

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The President seemed to address concerns and criticism that a new NGO law set to be considered by Parliament would impinge upon the right to free association while emphasizing the need to address corruption in the country. 

While the President’s statements did not directly address the draft NGO law, he affirmed plans to “put an end” to the “corruption” stemming from foreign funding. 

President Saied made similar statements during a 24 November 2023 meeting with senior officials, defending Tunisia’s sovereignty against what he characterized as foreign interference in Tunisian affairs tied to intelligence activities. 

Outlook: 

The President’s most recent comments on the status of NGOs in Tunisia indicated that some effort may be made to more closely monitor NGO funding, particularly from foreign sources, but no specific details were revealed. 

While the President’s comments could be viewed as an affirmation of a future adoption by Parliament of the updated NGO law, he did not specifically address the proposed legislation.  

Tunisia relies upon NGOs at many levels, with foreign-funded programs touching nearly every aspect of the Tunisian economy and administration. Our team is continuing to watch for indications that the President is willing to compromise those critical sources of investment and funding in order to address concerns over foreign interference. 

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