Tunisia: Magistrates likely to launch further nationwide strikes through at least mid-March /update 1

Event

The Union of Administrative Magistrates and the Sectoral Council of the Association of Tunisian Magistrates at the Administrative Court will likely launch further strikes through mid-March. The association has launched periodic strikes and organized protests in recent days in response to President Kais Saied's decision to dissolve the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSM) Feb. 6. The magistrates have stated they will continue with work stoppages until officials restore the country's judicial independence. The strike has materialized despite Saied's ongoing ban on related actions.

While organizers have not announced any plans for demonstrations, associated protests remain possible. Potential gathering sites include city government offices, public parks, and prominent squares. Demonstrations could prompt localized ground transport disruptions.

Context

Protests and strikes will almost certainly continue in the coming weeks in Tunisia following Saied's dissolution of the CSM, accusing the body of corruption. Political parties, civil society, and the international community have vehemently opposed Saied's decision. The CSM is an independent body tasked with appointing judges in Tunisia. The Parliament elects two-thirds and the CSM elects one-third of the 45 magistrates in the CSM. Saied's Feb. 6 decision to dissolve the CSM is unsurprising as the president has long accused the CSM of interfering with politically sensitive investigations and collaborating with the self-defined Islamist Ennahda political party. The Association of Tunisian Judges has launched several strikes to protest the government's decision.

Saied has announced that his government will establish a new temporary 21-member Supreme Judicial Council in which the president would directly appoint nine members. In this Supreme Judicial Council, Saied would also have the power to dismiss any judge in the council that is failing in their professional duties. Furthermore, judges on the new council are forbidden to strike or partake in collective action that would interfere with the functions of the courts.

Advice

Consider avoiding areas around courts, major government buildings, and popular rally sites due to possible protests and associated disruptions, as well as potential security disturbances throughout the duration of the strike. Allow additional time for travel near all demonstrations.