30 Jan 2024 | 05:42 PM UTC
Tunisia: Government extends nationwide security-related state of emergency through Dec. 31 /update 13
Tunisia extends nationwide security-related state of emergency until Dec. 31. Heightened security likely.
The government of Tunisia has extended the country's existing nationwide state of emergency (SoE) until Dec. 31, 2024. Authorities have regularly renewed the measure since the 2015 militant attacks in Sousse and Tunis.
The SoE gives additional powers to the Interior Minister and security forces, including the ability to ban large gatherings, censor media, and impose curfews. Authorities will maintain a heightened security posture throughout the country, especially in major urban centers, for the duration of the state of emergency.
Follow the instructions of security personnel. Ensure travel documents are accessible at all times. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.
Although the SoE's primary objective is to enhance counterterrorism efforts, the decision to regularly extend it is also likely influenced by the severity of civil unrest in the country. The deterioration of the socio-economic context in Tunisia has led to an increased risk of anti-government protests. The SoE measure gives authorities greater power and flexibility to crack down on such demonstrations.
The state of emergency was first implemented following a series of major terrorist attacks in the country in 2015. Officials remain concerned about the possibility of Tunisian nationals traveling to conflict regions abroad, including neighboring Libya, to join militant groups and receive training to carry out attacks in their home country. Additionally, low-level militant attacks targeting security forces occur occasionally in the mountainous areas of Kasserine and Kef governorates.
