Kais Saied's Presidency Faces International Silence
Tunisian President Kais Saied is navigating one of the most challenging periods of his presidency, which began in October 2019, following his recent re-election on October 6, 2024. Notably, the number of international leaders who extended their congratulations is minimal, with only a handful, including Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Libya's Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dabaiba, acknowledging his victory. In stark contrast, leaders from the European Union, who have historically engaged with Tunisia on political and economic fronts, have remained silent. This includes Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, despite her previous close alignment with Saied on issues such as irregular migration.
Silence from Global Allies
President Saied's anticipated allies, including leaders from China and Russia, also failed to offer congratulations, raising concerns about the strength of these relationships. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine appears to have diverted President Vladimir Putin's attention, while the U.S. has similarly overlooked the election results amidst its focus on global crises, including tensions in Gaza and Lebanon. Notably, French President Emmanuel Macron, despite past interactions with Saied, has also refrained from commenting, reflecting a broader European skepticism regarding Tunisia's political climate.
Human Rights Concerns and Political Dilemmas
The silence from international leaders is compounded by growing criticism of Tunisia's human rights record. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed concern over the imprisonment of political opponents, calling for reforms and the release of those arbitrarily detained. A recent European Union report highlighted the deterioration of political conditions under Saied's administration, emphasizing the need for a delicate balance between upholding EU values and maintaining constructive relations with Tunisia. This backdrop sets the stage for Saied's new term, which is laden with pressing issues, including the status of political prisoners and the quest for political stability in a country grappling with ongoing social and economic crises.
