Human Rights Organizations Warn of Crackdown on Civil Society in Tunisia

Five years into the presidency of Kais Saied, Human Rights Watch and other activists have expressed concerns that Tunisia's civil society is at risk of being severely restricted. Messaoud Romdhani, a Tunisian human rights activist, stated, "Most civil society organizations are in a state of shock today," and noted that those who criticize the authorities face repression, often being accused of money laundering, which leads to the suspension of their activities. Another activist, speaking anonymously, highlighted that there is a growing hesitation among individuals to speak publicly or engage in sensitive issues, citing a "chilling effect" where uncertainty itself becomes a form of pressure. Human Rights Watch's latest report, published on September 2, 2026, asserts that Saied is attempting to eliminate civil society in Tunisia. The report states, "It is clear that the authorities are abusing every tool at their disposal to close the space for civil society in Tunisia." Bassam Khawaja, a deputy director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized that the government is using arbitrary prosecutions, detentions, and financial investigations to suppress dissent. Saied, who was elected president in 2019, dissolved parliament in July 2021 and has since repressed political dissent and arrested opposition figures. Anthony Dworkin, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, remarked that Saied's objectives have remained consistent: consolidating power and eliminating checks on his authority. Saied has denied being authoritarian, claiming his actions are necessary to combat corruption and uphold democracy. He has accused critics of receiving foreign funding to disrupt national interests. Despite the crackdown, protests have occurred, including demonstrations on July 25, marking the anniversary of Saied's power grab, where citizens protested against poor living conditions and the government's management of services. The protests were organized by Nafas, a citizen-led initiative formed in May to address basic needs. An Arab Barometer survey indicated a generational divide in perceptions of the political and economic situation, with older Tunisians viewing it more positively than younger individuals, who expressed skepticism towards state institutions but trust in civil society organizations. The survey revealed that 49% of people aged 18-39 trust civil society, compared to 32% of those aged 40 and older. Dworkin suggested that while recent demonstrations do not pose a significant threat to Saied, he has lost public support due to economic challenges, and many Tunisians are focused on daily survival or considering emigration.