Summary:

On 30 January 2024, President Kais Saied announced that the official State of Emergency would be extended through 31 December 2024. 

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The State of Emergency has been in place since 2015 when a bus carrying presidential guards was attacked in a terrorist operation claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS).  

The State of Emergency grants sweeping executive powers that have become normative over the years since its first adoption. The State of Emergency allows the executive to leverage broad and largely unchecked powers to protect the state from “imminent danger.” 

Commentators have expressed concern in particular about the broad legal and law enforcement powers granted to Tunisia’s security forces, particularly those operating under counterterrorism authorities. 

Outlook: 

While the extension of the State of Emergency was unsurprising to most, the continuation of the now long-standing policy raises concerns about the future of governance in Tunisia and the ongoing degradation of the rule of law. 

The exercise of the broad powers granted under the State of Emergency has drawn criticism while effectively silencing much of Tunisia’s political opposition and civil society. While this has proven politically expedient in the short term, it will likely degrade perceptions of Tunisia’s attractiveness to foreign investors and potential economic partners. 

While the State of Emergency allows the government to take decisive action to create a secure environment that supports tourism, this approach to governance will likely have long-term impacts on the willingness of investors to engage Tunisian industry. 

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