Tunisia faces protests and human rights concerns under President Kais Saied

Tunisia is facing escalating political and economic instability, marked by widespread anti-government protests and warnings from human rights organizations regarding the erosion of democratic institutions. Demonstrators in Tunis have been calling for the removal of President Kais Saied, protesting against what they describe as a slide toward dictatorship and demanding the release of imprisoned activists, journalists, and opposition leaders.

Civil society groups, including Human Rights Watch, have urged the United Nations to intervene, citing a worsening human rights crisis. These organizations highlight the rollback of democratic gains following Saied’s 2021 actions to dismiss the government and dissolve the legislature. They specifically pointed to Decree-Law 2022-35, which granted the president authority to dismiss judges and prosecutors, leading to the arbitrary removal of 57 judicial officials.

Compounding the political tension is a severe economic crisis. Tunisians are experiencing high inflation, currently at 5.2 percent according to the World Bank, alongside shortages of basic goods and medicines, as well as frequent water and power cuts. The government has implemented cost-saving measures, such as halting public sector hiring and reducing imports, amid a precipitous fall in national investment.