Tunisia: Activist groups plan anti-government protests in Tunis April 10

Event

Activists affiliated with the Ennahda Movement and the Citizens against the Coup Movement plan to rally in central Tunis on April 10. The purpose of the action is to mark Tunisia's Martyrs' Day holiday, as well as to denounce President Kais Saied and his March 30 decision to dissolve the country's parliament. The demonstrations will occur outside the Municipal Theater starting at 11:00. Counter-demonstrations by supporters of Saied cannot be ruled out.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy heightened security in the vicinity of the protest venue on April 10. Security forces could erect roadblocks and close roads around the planned rally site to prevent demonstrators from gathering. Clashes between demonstrators and police officers, or among supporters of rival political groups are possible.

Context

Ennahda, a self-defined Islamic democratic political party in Tunisia, constituted the largest bloc in the country's parliament until Saied suspended the body in late July. Ennahda has previously organized large protests to commemorate Martyrs' Day, which falls on April 9 and honors Tunisians who were killed by French troops during demonstrations demanding the creation of a parliament in 1938.

Advice

Avoid the announced demonstration location; exercise caution near other potential protest sites as organizers may not announce all events in advance. Confirm public transport schedules and allow additional time to reach destinations near rally locations. Follow all police instructions. Do not attempt to photograph or otherwise record demonstrations. Immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building if violence erupts.