Summary:

On 20 August 2024, Tunisian Minster of the Interior, Khaled Nouri, received US Ambassador to Tunisia, Joey Hood to discuss cooperation in the security sector to combat terrorism, transnational crime, and irregular migration.

The visit preceded the US State Department’s announcement of the approval of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of several 65-foot patrol boats of the 65 SAFE Archangel class to Tunisia as well as other defense equipment including GPS, navigation, and communication systems.

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The State Department reported that the $110 million deal will better equip Tunisia to promote regional stability and build interoperability with the US and other Western partners. It also stated that the patrol boats will be used for search and rescue and maritime law enforcement in addition to other maritime-related operations to ensure security in the country and the region.

Earlier in July, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and the National Guard inaugurated a new learning system during a media conference in which the US Ambassador noted that his country has supported Tunisia via $1 billion in security assistance since 2011.

Outlook: 

These latest signs of security cooperation between the US and Tunisia after a year of reduction in military aid commitments are likely related to recent developments in the region, particularly challenges with irregular migration and the dynamic political landscape in Libya.

In addition to restraining irregular migration, the new patrol boats could be used in intercepting arms being smuggled to and from Libya where violent clashes and political tensions have erupted recently.

By developing security cooperation with Tunisia, the US is likely seeking to compensate for the US forces withdrawal from Sahelian countries like Niger and Chad where Russian influence is growing. Meanwhile, the US is seeking to counterbalance Russian influence in Tunisia particularly after reports surfaced indicating that Wagner troops were transiting through Djerba to Libya.

These latest signs of security cooperation and diplomatic visits point to the US intention for Tunisia to play a greater role in the region broadly and specifically in Libya. However, Tunisia’s neutral position on Libya marked by consistent calls for a Libyan-Libyan resolution create diplomatic challenges for the US and other parties with interests in Libya’s future. The Tunisian administration will likely continue to reap benefit from security cooperation with the US and other Western partners while diverging on foreign policy issues in order to preserve a neutral role in regional issues.

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