Crackdown on Tunisian Activism: Civil Society Under Siege

A series of suspensions against human rights organizations in Tunisia has ignited alarm over dwindling freedoms under President Kais Saied. Mnemty, an NGO combatting racism, was the latest to face a one-month activity halt, spokesman Zied Rouin confirmed. Its president, Saadia Mosbah, along with other migrant rights advocates, remains detained following May 2024 arrests.

These clampdowns follow similar suspensions of other key groups, including FTDES and the Tunisian Association for Democratic Women. Romdhan Ben Amor, FTDES spokesperson, labeled the actions as diversions from pressing national challenges, notably Gabes's environmental demonstrations. He argued the measures aim to stigmatize defenders of individual and social liberties amid controversy over migration and treason charges.

Accusations of foreign funding as a threat to national security have been central in the Saied administration's narrative. Despite adherence to transparency laws, FTDES and others confront ongoing financial probes. Critics link these maneuvers to a broader assault on civil society since Saied's 2021 power consolidation, threatening their independence and curtailing activism.