Summary:

On 17 September 2024, Tunisian President Kais Saied, received the Central Bank Governor, Fathi Zouhaier El-Nouri, using the meeting as an opportunity to encourage El-Nouri to control the flow of money to NGOs and other organizations in Tunisia. 

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The President insisted to the Central Bank Governor that the Commission should exercise its functions and control money flows since many associations receive huge sums from abroad to finance various forms of political organization and activism. 

President Saied repeated assertions he has previously made that such funding for political activism amounts to foreign interference in the internal affairs of Tunisia. 

On the same day, the National Security Council met with President Saied. The President highlighted speculation on essential products led by what he has consistently described as cartels and lobbies collaborating with foreign actors to disrupt Tunisia’s economic situation and thereby foment political instability.  

These statements were followed on 17 and 18 September by the arrest of an official in the Financial Analysis Commission and the firing of the General Administrator of Resources and Economic Affairs as well as the Head of the Supply and Inventory Department at the Municipality of Tunis. 

Outlook: 

In his recent statements and appearances, President Saied is likely trying to discredit the protests organized against the repression of political rights and journalists, especially the larger protest held on 13 September, by continuing to highlight the disruptive impact of foreign funding on Tunisian society.  

Linking foreign funding and NGOs to food shortages, regardless of evidence or merit, is a means to associate the highly practical frustrations of many Tunisians to an easily identifiable scapegoat. This trend is likely to continue as protests grow. 

This approach has been effective to some extent, but continues to create an increasingly tense political environment that includes increasingly heated dialogue, including both sides calling the other “traitors.” 

In this context, caution is essential for organizations and firms operating in Tunisia as the current tensions could easily translate into confrontation between the two sides on the street. It is essential to stay informed of protests dates and avoid passing through the areas where protests will be held.  

Moreover, organizations receiving foreign funding should take special precautions in preparing financial information, government-required paperwork, and any public statements or publications. 

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