Tunisia: Increased security personnel deployment reported in Tunis July 25

Event

Additional security personnel have deployed in Tunis, especially around the parliament building and on Avenue Habib Bourguiba, amid calls on social media for protests at those locations July 25. Activists are calling for changes to the political system, including the removal of the current Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rached Ghannouchi. Incoming reports indicate authorities have closed multiple roads leading to the aforementioned locations to prevent protesters from gathering.

Should protests occur they could be well attended, as the proposed action coincides with Tunisia's Republic Day, and follows the government's decision July 23 decision to extend an ongoing COVID-19-related state of emergency through January 2022; such a move is unpopular with a considerable proportion of the population. Clashes between security forces and protesters are possible, especially if protest participants are overly disruptive or fail to heed orders to disperse.

Localized business and transport disruptions in Tunis, specifically in proximity to the parliament building and Avenue Habib Bourguiba, are highly likely July 25.

Context

Nationwide protests and strikes in response to socioeconomic conditions are prevalent in Tunisia, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have further tested the nation's stability.

Advice

Avoid all protest actions July 25. Exercise caution near likely rally locations. Confirm the availability of transport and allow additional time to reach destinations. Plan for increased security and localized transport disruptions near demonstration sites. Follow the instructions of all security officials. If violence erupts, depart the area immediately.