Tag Archives: Tunisia

AQIM leader Abdelmalek Droukdel killed by France in Mali; likely to hinder al-Qaeda operations in Maghreb, not expected to affect militancy in Sahel – Maghreb & Sahel Analysis

Executive Summary

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) emir Abdelmalek Droukdel was killed by French forces in Mali, a significant symbolic loss that will likely exacerbate the ongoing decline in al-Qaeda operations in Algeria and Tunisia.

This will likely result in the continued diversion of resources and focus to the Sahel, reducing the operational support given to Algerian and Tunisian groups as well as diminishing morale and recruitment in the Maghreb.

The impact on al-Qaeda in the Sahel will likely be limited given the decentralized nature of AQIM’s control and the broader success of Malian leaders of the other constituent groups within the al-Qaeda coalition in the Sahel, Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam waal Muslimeen (JNIM).

Although France and Mali are expected to tout this as a success, which will further justify France’s increasingly unpopular presence in the Sahel, this is nonetheless not expected to disrupt militancy in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

Current Situation

On June 5, France’s Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly stated that French forces with the “support of partners” killed the Emir of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Abdelmalek Droukdel, also known as Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud, along with “several of his close collaborators” at an unspecified location in northern Mali on June 3.

Reports indicate that Droukdel was killed in Talhandak in Mali’s Kidal Region, close to the border with Algeria.

On June 6, reports emerged that al-Qaeda jihadists and supporters were eulogizing Droukdel in internal communication, but as of the time of writing, no announcement was officially published by al-Qaeda.

The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) issued a press release on June 8 acknowledging France’s announcement and further stating that AFRICOM has confirmed Droukdel’s death in an independent assessment.

Background

Abdelmalek Droukdel was the Emir of AQIM, formerly known as the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combatant (GSPC), which was an offshoot of the Armed Islamic Group (GIA), which fought in the Algerian civil war of the 1990s. Droukdel assumed the leadership of the GSPC in mid-2004 and pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in September 2006. In 2007, the GSPC was officially renamed as AQIM. Droukdel is considered one of the founding members of AQIM and held a highly symbolic position within the group’s hierarchy, also due to his direct ties with Osama bin Laden, as well as his previous involvement in the Afghan civil war.

Under Droukdel, AQIM supported several jihadist movements in other parts of Africa, particularly Mali, where several AQIM affiliates formed from 2011 onward. In March 2017, AQIM’s Sahara branch, al-Mourabitoun, Ansar Dine, and Macina Liberation Front announced that they would be unifying under a single al–Qaedacoalition, Jamaat Nusrat al–Islam waal Muslimeen (JNIM), with Ansar Dine leader Iyad ag Ghali as its leader. In 2014, Droukdel also sponsored a merger betweenAnsar al–Sharia in Tunisia (AST) and the Okba Ibn Nafaa Brigade (OIB), two local jihadist groups that were outlawed by the Tunisian government. Over recent years, AQIM has almost completely shifted its center of gravity from Algeria toMali due to intensive counter-militancy operations by the People’s National Army (ANP) in Algeria. JNIM is now the strongest al-Qaeda group in the region, with Algeria serving mostly as an auxiliary effort. AQIM’s remaining presence in Algeria can mainly be attributed to Droukdel’s historical ties to the country and his effort to restore the lost prestige of the organization.

Although AQIM did not officially confirm Droukdel’s death and France has in the past prematurely claimed to have killed high-level al-Qaeda leaders in the Sahel such as Amadou Kouffa, the leader of the JNIM constituent Katiba Macina, there is a strong likelihood that Droukdel was in fact killed. This is supported by the reported internal communication between al-Qaeda members and the duration of time between when the incident occurred and when it was announced by France and then the US, which may have gone at least in part to confirm the successes of the operation, as well as the fact that it was officially announced by both countries.

Assessments & Forecast

Loss of Droukdel likely to adversely impact AQIM operations in Algeria, Tunisia, possibly trigger slight resurgence in IS activity in Algeria

AQIM activity in Algeria has significantly declined over recent years amid successful counter-militancy operations by the People’s National Army (ANP), most recently aggravated by the ANP killing ten of the militant group’s local leaders during counter-militancy operations in the northeastern Jijel and Skikda provinces in 2018. This resulted in militant attacks becoming rare and small-scale when they do occur, with AQIM itself not claiming responsibility for an attack in the country since August 31, 2017, when it claimed a suicide bombing against a security headquarters in Tiaret. Due to its continued operational constraints, the jihadist group was forced to operate in a highly decentralized fashion in Algeria, with local leaders having more influence over the group’s on-ground tactics and activities. Leaders, such as Droukdel, who are much higher in the group’s hierarchy, are generally involved in outlining the group’s ideology and overarching goals, while also acting as symbolic figures for the group’s fighters. FORECAST: Therefore, while Droukdel’s death will not have any immediate direct impact on AQIM’s on-ground capabilities in Algeria, it nonetheless constitutes a significant symbolic loss, which would therefore have a long-term negative effect on its capabilities in North Africa.

Despite the decline in operations, militants and their infrastructure remain entrenched in Algeria’s northern outlying areas, which is underscored by near-daily discovery of hideouts and weapons caches, as well as arrests of militants and their supporters. Furthermore, the ANP frequently discovers caches of weapons, which likely originate from Libya, along Algeria’s southern borders, that are likely mostly intended to be transferred into the Sahel, which indicates the continued connection between operations in Algeria and the Sahel. However, it is possible that some of these weapons are diverted toward maintaining activities in Algeria. FORECAST: As Droukdel was the most prominent historical and symbolic link between AQIM and Algeria, his killing may prompt al-Qaeda to reduce the investment of resources in Algeria, which may be perceived as wasteful given the group’s inability to act there, and shift it entirely toward the Sahel, where it has been much more successful in recent years.

This, in turn, may have an adverse impact on AQIM-affiliated OIB’s operations in western Tunisia. Since the construction of a border obstacle between Tunisia and Libya, smuggling activity between the countries reduced significantly, leading to OIB supply lines from Libya to be extended through Algeria and facilitated by and dependent on AQIM’s operations there. FORECAST: Therefore, if AQIM were to divert resources away from Algeria toward the Sahel, in the long term, this will also constrict AQIM-affiliated OIB’s supply lines and reduce its operational capabilities in Tunisia. Nonetheless, in the short term, a decrease in focus on operations in Algeria may mean that whatever assets are still left in the country would be diverted to support OIB in Tunisia, which despite its own significant challenges, is still considered more successful in recent years than the group in Algeria.

FORECAST: This development will also have a negative effect on the morale of AQIM fighters across the Maghreb, as the militant group’s prestige in the North Africa region diminishes with the increased diversion of resources and focus of operations toward the Sahel. This will make it difficult for AQIM to attract additional recruits and support from among segments of the local population of Algeria and Tunisia. The Islamic State (IS), which maintains a limited operational presence in Algeria and Tunisia, may attempt to capitalize upon this dynamic to attract AQIM fighters to bolster its ranks. IS is specifically known to maintain at least some capabilities in southern Algeria. This is evidenced by the IS-claimed vehicle-borne IED (VBIED) attack targeting a military facility in Bordj Badji Mokhtar Province’s Timiaouine on February 9 as well as the IS-claimed killing of eight ANP soldiers during clashes in Tamanrasset Province’s Taoundart on November 21, 2019. Both incidents involved militants with links to IS in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), which is active in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Regardless, a decrease in AQIM activity in Algeria may provide IS militants with a greater degree of operational freedom in southern Algeria due to the lack of competition.

FORECAST: There has also been an increase in IS activity in southern Libya in May and June following a lull in operations by the militant group over the past year. This has mainly been facilitated by the security vacuum that has been created in southern Libya due to Libyan National Army’s (LNA) increased diversion of resources toward northwestern Libya for its offensive against the Government of National Accord (GNA)-linked forces. This has provided IS militants in southern Libya with a greater degree of freedom of movement and operations. However, despite this recent increase in IS activity in Libya, the militant group’s capabilities in terms of personnel and infrastructure are still limited, as underscored by the small-scale nature of most of its recent attacks as well as various other video publications released by the group that showcase a limited number of fighters in the country. Nevertheless, AQIM’s decline could present IS with an opportunity to expand from Libya into southern Algeria. However, IS has not yet shown any indication that it is interested in such a strategy, and Algeria’s border with Libya is relatively more secure than that with Mali and Niger. Hence, even if IS is interested in expanding from Libya into Algeria, this risk is slightly lower.

Droukdel’s killing unlikely to have significant operational impact on JNIM activities in Sahel, expected to be portrayed as victory for counter-militancy efforts by France

Even though the death of Droukdel is a very notable symbolic blow to al-Qaeda in North and West Africa, its spiritual impact in the Sahel is likely to be somewhat limited given that JNIM and AQIM in Algeria have grown more distant in recent years. Over time, the high-profile leadership, as well as the constituency, of the al-Qaeda outfit in the Sahel has become more local. This wedge between al-Qaeda in the Maghreb and the Sahel was further aggravated after leaders of AQIM’s Sahara branch, Yahya Abou Hammam and Abu Abd al–Rahman al–Sanhaji, also known as “Ali Maychou”, who were central figures in the establishment of JNIM, were killed by France in 2019.

Given this growing distance, it remains unlikely that Droukdel’s death will translate into a substantial operational impact or reduced militant capabilities in the Sahel. AQIM’s control over its branches is decentralized while the Sahara branch of the organization is just one of the components that form JNIM, where the different constituent groups maintain their own spheres of influence. This suggests that while there exists some potential for the operations of the Sahara branch of AQIM to be slightly affected in Droukdel’s absence, the operations of the larger coalition are likely to continue unhindered under the direction of the leader of JNIM constituent Ansar Dine, Iyad ag Ghali, as well as the leader of Katiba Macina, Amadou Kouffa.

In fact, rather than Droukdel’s death detrimentally impacting on-ground militant capabilities, it is possible that JNIM will see operational benefits as resources may be diverted from al-Qaeda outfits in Algeria and Tunisia to Mali and Burkina Faso in the long term. FORECAST: Regardless, the trend of militancy in the Sahel is expected to persist. Additionally, it remains possible that attacks directed toward French Barkhane forces, who are attractive targets for militants, will see an uptick in the coming weeks in symbolic retaliation for the death of Droukdel.

Nonetheless, due to Droukdel’s status, his killing in northern Mali marks a momentous symbolic victory for counter-militancy efforts in the Sahel. The French, who have been facing mounting criticism from the populations of the Sahelian countries, are likely to capitalize on the success of this airstrike to justify their continued operations in the tri-border region between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The perception of success following this operation is particularly important due to JNIM’s acceptance of the Malian government’s offer for a dialogue on March 8, contingent upon the withdrawal of international forces. The Malian government has not yet responded to JNIM’s conditional acceptance, likely due to the blow that the withdrawal of French forces would pose to counter-militancy efforts in Mali.

FORECAST: Considering that the killing of Droukdel is going to be presented as a great success by the French and Malian authorities, it is likely that the government’s pro-French position will become further entrenched following this operation. Conversely, given French leadership of the operation, should the government attempt to negotiate the conditional acceptance, JNIM is likely to be unyielding in their demand for the withdrawal of French forces. This has the potential to further exacerbate dissatisfaction among the Malian populace who have been clamoring for a dialogue with the jihadists as well as widen the political divide where a coalition of opposition parties held a large-scale march on June 5 demanding the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

FORECAST: Ultimately, the center of gravity of al-Qaeda activities had already moved from Algeria to the Sahel, and going forward, given the decentralized nature of al-Qaeda operations, there is unlikely to be any significant change in militancy in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. While there remains a chance that the international and national militaries will launch bolstered offensives to press their perceived advantage accorded by Droukdel’s death, it is unlikely to significantly affect JNIM activities beyond the near-term.

Recommendations

Maghreb

Travel to Algiers, Oran, and Tunis may continue while adhering to all security precautions regarding militancy and civil unrest. Consult with at [email protected] or +44 20-3540-0434 for itinerary and contingency support options.

We advise against all nonessential travel to Algeria’s outlying areas. Those conducting business essential travel to the region are advised to avoid nonessential travel to the mountainous parts of northern Algeria’s outlying areas due to the underlying threat of militant activity. Consult with us for itinerary-based travel recommendations and ground support options.

It is further advised to avoid all travel to the vicinity of Algeria’s borders with Mali, Niger, and Libya due to the increased threat of militant activity in these regions.

Avoid all travel to Tunisia’s Kasserine, Kef, and Jendouba governorates, in addition to all border areas, due to jihadist activity and military closures. Furthermore, avoid all travel to within 50 km from the border with Libya, due to the threat of attacks originating from Libya targeting Tunisian interests.

Sahel

We advise against all travel to the border region between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, given the extreme risks of militancy, ethnic conflict, and violent crime.

Avoid all travel to northern and central Mali, including Timbuktu, Kidal, Gao, Mopti, and northern Segou region, given the threat from militant and rebel groups operating in the area, as well as ongoing ethnic tensions and intercommunal violence.

Maintain heightened vigilance in Mali’s Koulikoro, Kayes, and Sikasso regions due to the rapidly expanding militant operational theater and growing insecurity.

Avoid all travel to northern and eastern Burkina Faso, particularly Sahel, Est, Centre-Est, Nord, Centre-Nord, and Boucle du Mouhoun regions due to the ongoing threat of militancy and violent crime. Avoid nonessential travel to outlying areas of the southern and western regions due to the increased risk of attacks.

We advise against all travel to Niger’s Tillaberi and Tahoua Regions in the west along the borders of Mali and Burkina Faso, with the exception of Niamey, due to the ongoing risk of militancy.

Essebsi’s death to weaken Nidaa Tounes party, strengthen opposition in upcoming parliamentary elections – Tunisia Analysis

Executive Summary

On July 25, President Beji Caid Essebsi passed away due to health issues. His death is likely to further exacerbate the existing political polarization within Nidaa Tounes, the current ruling party. This may prompt resignations or defections by party members. Moreover, given Essebsi’s image as a symbolic leader of Nidaa Tounes, his death may further weaken electoral support for the party in the upcoming elections.

While the weakening of Nidaa Tounes will further bolster the positions of the two leading parties in the parliament, Tahya Tounes and the Ennahda Movement, given the number of political parties, which is around 1,500, an absolute majority in the parliament is unlikely for any single party. Thus, further political alliances and coalitions will be formed in the upcoming elections.

Such coalitions will challenge the legislative process as they would require compromise between political parties. This will likely lead to weak and ambiguous policies and pose a challenge to the implementation of effective economic policies. Thus, the public’s socio-economic grievances with the government will likely continue, leading to instances of unrest across the country.

Travel to Tunis may continue while adhering to all security precautions regarding militancy and civil unrest. Contact us at [email protected] or +44 20-3540-0434 for itinerary and contingency support options.

Key Parties, Alliances, Rivalries in Tunisian Politics

Current Situation

In January 2019, political leaders from the Nidaa Tounes Coalition announced the formation of a new party, Tahya Tounes, to compete in the October 2019 parliamentary elections. The party is led by Prime Minister Youssef Chahed and represents the National Alliance bloc.

On April 13, two secretary-generals of Nidaa Tounes party were elected in separate meetings. Abdelaziz Kotti was elected as the Secretary-General of Nidaa Tounes party in a meeting held in Hammamet, while Hafedh Caid Essebsi was elected as the Secretary-General of Nidaa Tounes in a meeting held in Monastir.

On May 22, Tahya Tounes and al-Moubadara announced a merger of their political parties, agreeing upon the regulatory and legal provisions of the merger. Subsequently, on June 9, Nidaa Tounes and Machrou Tounes announced a national alliance.

On June 18, the government passed an amendment to the electoral law, which was introduced by Tahya Tounes and Ennahda in parliament. The law set the minimum threshold for the legislative elections at three percent and disqualified candidates who have made public statements perceived to contradict Tunisia’s democratic principles or have allegedly benefited from political publicity over the year preceding the elections. However, the amendment was not endorsed by Beji Caid Essebsi, the now former President of Tunisia.

On July 25, Essebsi passed away due to health issues. Subsequently, the Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR), Mohamed Ennaceur, also a member of Nidaa Tounes, took office as acting president.

The presidential elections were preponed from November 17 to September 15 in line with the constitution, which states that presidential elections must be held between 45 to 90 days following the death of the sitting president.

Parliamentary Composition of Tunisia

Background

Nidaa Tounes and the Ennahda Movement, the current plurality party, formed a coalition government following the 2014 elections, when Nidaa Tounes won 86 seats, closely followed by the Ennahda Movement, which won 69 seats. However, in January 2016, when Essebsi’s son, Hafedh Caid Essebsi, was made leader of the Nidaa Tounes Party, 32 members of parliament (MPs) resigned, making Ennahda the majority party in the parliament. On September 15, 2018, Hafedh suspended the party membership of PM Chahed, alleging that he failed to handle the country’s ailing economy, likely triggered by the nationwide anti-austerity protests that ensued in January 2018 following the enactment of austerity measures under the 2018 budget law. Subsequently, on September 25, 2018, Essebsi announced an end to Nidaa Tounes’ five-year coalition with the Ennahda Movement, as the latter wished to form a consensus with Chahed’s party.

Assessments & Forecast

Weakening of Nidaa Tounes to increase Tahya Tounes and Ennahda’s lead in October 2019 parliamentary elections

Given precedent of Hafedh’s role in polarizing Nidaa Tounes, particularly considering the resignation of 32 MPs following his appointment, Essebsi’s death is likely to further weaken Hafedh’s leadership of the party. This assessment is bolstered by the fact that after Hafedh was made leader, 18 more MPs resigned, some of them defecting to Tahya Tounes, decreasing the party’s parliamentary membership to 26 MPs. The April 13 election of two secretary-generals in separate meetings highlights the ongoing divisions within the party, with the meeting in Hammamet indicating efforts by party members to distance the party from Hafedh. FORECAST: Given Hafedh’s already weakening leadership, Essebsi’s death, a primary supporter of Hafedh’s leadership, will likely further damage his image. This may therefore prompt other MPs to either resign from their positions or defect to an opposing party. The weakening of Nidaa Tounes will bolster Tahya Tounes and Ennahda’s standing in the parliamentary elections, as indicated by the Ennahda Movement becoming the majority party and Tahya Tounes overtaking Nidaa Tounes with a total of 45 MPs at the time of writing. Essebsi’s death will therefore serve to further bolster electoral support for the former and their subsequent ability to win a majority, or at least a plurality, of the seats in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Moreover, Essebsi has been seen as a symbolic leader among the electorate, particularly given his connection to Tunisia’s first President Habib Bourguiba, who is remembered reverently. As such, it is likely that the majority of the electoral support that Nidaa Tounes gained in 2014 was due to Essebsi’s leadership of the party. Given Hafedh’s current unpopularity, the current leader of the party, the electorate is unlikely to favor Nidaa Tounes should he become the public figure of the party. FORECAST: Thus, following Essebsi’s passing, it is unclear who will conclusively represent the party to the public, particularly given the internal polarization. Meanwhile, Chahed’s long-standing role in the government as Prime Minister has allowed him to garner the support of the electorate, with his party’s favorability as of June 2019 at 8.6 percent as opposed to that of Nidaa Tounes at 5 percent. This will therefore enable Tahya Tounes to garner votes from segments of Essebsi’s supporters who are critical of Hafedh and his policies.

Large number of parliamentary groups likely to require inter-party coalitions, alliances

The June 18 electoral law proposed by Tahya Tounes and supported by parliamentary majority party, Ennahda, was likely an effort to bolster their ability to form a single party government, given that the number of parties in Tunisia are currently around 1,500. This is further evidenced by the amendments restricting political candidacy based on vague pretext, which disqualify candidates who have made public statements perceived to contradict Tunisia’s democratic principles or have allegedly benefited from political publicity over the year preceding the elections. However, prior to his death, Essebsi neither vetoed nor endorsed the electoral amendment, which requires his signature to be passed into law. FORECAST: Given that a potential referendum or a revote in parliament would take several weeks and delay the elections, it is unlikely that any measures will be taken to ensure the amendment’s passing. Moreover, regardless of whether the interim President Mohamed Ennaceur has the capacity to overturn Essebsi’s decision to not endorse the law, given that he too belongs to Nidaa Tounes, he is unlikely to pass the amendment into law.

FORECAST: As such, despite Tahya Tounes and Ennahda’s current lead in parliamentary seats, they will likely not be able to gain a majority in the upcoming parliamentary elections without inter-party coalitions. Moreover, while Tahya Tounes does maintain a higher favorability than Nidaa Tounes, the former saw a drop in its favorability between May and June 2019, from 16.5 percent to 8.6 percent. This will likely prompt the party, along with Ennahda, to seek further alliances, as evidenced by the May 22 alliance the former made with al-Moubarada. However, while such alliances are often made with the intention to ease the parliamentary process, such a coalition of multiple parties will likely lead to political friction. This also remains possible in the alliance between Tahya Tounes and Ennahda. While the two are currently aligned, largely due to their efforts to defeat Nidaa Tounes, given that the two parties diverge based on their ideologies, there is liable to be political friction between the two on future policy issues.

Parliamentary alliances to weaken legislative procedures, political disillusionment likely to grow

The upcoming elections may bring persistent challenges to the legislative process. While Ennahda and Tahya Tounes currently converge on their views on economic policies, namely the implementation of austerity measures to reduce Tunisia’s budget deficit, their policies on other legislative matters may diverge. However, in the name of maintaining a political alliance between the two parties, it remains possible that the two will compromise on key policy issues, leading to weak legislation. On the other hand, should neither party be willing to compromise on such issues, they are unlikely to gain a majority to pass any proposed legislation. Hence, while such alliances may allow the parties to gain and maintain a majority in the short run, they will likely hinder the government’s ability to pass effective and comprehensive legislation in the parliament, which, in turn, would lead to political stagnation in the months following the elections.

Moreover, the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), the country’s largest labor union, has currently pledged its support to Nidaa Tounes, given the latter’s criticism of austerity measures. Thus, despite the alliance between the two majority parties, polarization between political parties over economic policies will likely continue. Should Tahya Tounes and Ennahda win the elections, they will continue to be challenged by the UGTT due to their efforts to implement austerity measures. However, should the government fail to implement such measures, possibly due to efforts to maintain the UGTT’s support, it will continue to hinder Tunisia’s economic growth due to expanding budget deficit and lack of foreign investment. Therefore, the government will likely continue to struggle to implement a long term economic policy that will promote Tunisia’s development, while addressing the public’s socio-economic grievances resulting from such measures.

FORECAST: Given the likelihood of political friction within the government and the subsequent hurdles to legislation and economic policies, the upcoming elections are unlikely to alleviate the public’s ongoing socio-economic grievances with the government. Such grievances have previously manifested in the form of labor action and protests. Following the March 30 increase in fuel prices, Tunisia witnessed nationwide protests on April 2, which reportedly included the blocking of roads and burning of tires in Tunis, Monastir, Sousse, Sidi Bouzid, and Siliana governorates. The government’s inability to pass effective legislation and implement economic measures will likely further exacerbate the public’s grievances and subsequently the political disillusionment with the democratic process. As such, regardless of the outcome of the parliamentary elections, instances of civil unrest are likely to be witnessed across Tunisia.

Recommendations

Travel to Tunis may continue while adhering to all security precautions regarding militancy and civil unrest. Those operating or residing in Tunisia are advised that we maintain operational capabilities in the country. Contact us at [email protected] or +44 20-3540-0434 for itinerary and contingency support options.

It is advised to remain cognizant of local political, religious, and social customs while traveling in Tunisia, particularly in the outlying areas, and avoid discussing potentially sensitive topics. Be mindful of current affairs of the country you are visiting and any link to your own country.

It is further advised to remain cognizant of security incidents in the vicinity of electoral booths as well as allot for disruptions due to increased security measures during the presidential and parliamentary elections on September 15 and in November, respectively.

Those operating in Tunis are advised to avoid nonessential travel to the al-Intikala, Le Kram, Ettadhamen, Ibn Khaldoun, Ennasr, Ariana, Bab al-Khadra, Mornaguia, and Manouba Districts of the capital, due to the potential for unrest as well as militant activities.

In addition, avoid nonessential travel to the vicinity of government and security installations, as well as political meetings, while maintaining heightened vigilance in the vicinity of hotels and touristic sites, due to the potential threat of militant attacks against such locales.

We currently advise to maintain heightened vigilance in Tunisia’s coastal areas while avoiding nonessential travel to other outlying towns and cities due to the lack of travel and tourist infrastructure and a heightened risk for civil unrest and militancy.

Avoid all travel to the Kasserine, Kef, and Jendouba Governorates, in addition to all border areas, due to jihadist activity and military closures. Furthermore, avoid all travel to within 50 km from the border with Libya, due to the threat of attacks originating from Libya targeting Tunisian interests.

AQIM-OIB claims attack against National Guard patrol in Jendouba Governorate’s Ghardimaou on July 8 – Tunisia Alert

Please be advised

According to the Ministry of Interior (MoI), a group of militants killed six National Guardsmen in an ambush targeting two vehicles patrolling the Tunisian-Algerian border near Ain Soltane village, located in Jendouba Governorate’s Ghardimaou District, during the morning hours of July 8.

The militants reportedly detonated an IED against the patrol, which was then followed by gunfire against the National Guardsmen. The assailants reportedly fled the scene following the attack and are still at large.
The attack was later claimed by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)-affiliated Okba Ibn Nafaa Brigade (OIB). According to their statement, nine National Guardsmen, including an officer, were killed in the attack. The militants seized eight rifles, a handgun, and a machine gun before fleeing the scene of the attack.

According to reports, a man was arrested in Kairouan Governorate for expressing support for the AQIM-OIB claimed attack on July 9.

In addition, members of the security services of Beja staged a protest in front of the National Guard’s headquarters demanding that the Minister of Interior (MoI) support new legislation meant to protect servicemen on July 9.

Tunisia Alert (UPDATE): AQIM-OIB claims attack against National Guard patrol in Jendouba Governorate’s Ghardimaou on July 8; avoid all travel to area | MAX Security

Assessments & Forecast

The attack is highly notable since it is the largest militant attack on Tunisian soil since March 2016, when Islamic State (IS) militants infiltrated Medenine Governorate’s Ben Guerdane from Libya. This incident highlights the increased risk of militancy near Tunisia’s western borders with Algeria, with the latest attack in the area recorded on May 31, when security forces foiled an AQIM-OIB attack in Kasserine Governorate. Although, AQIM-OIB is known to maintain an operational base along the Tunisian-Algerian border, the majority of its attacks over the past year have been mainly focused in the southwest, namely Kasserine Governorate, rather than in Jendouba, which is located in the northwestern part of the country.

Furthermore, all of these attacks have been of a lower sophistication, mainly involving the use of landmines or shootings. However, the latest attack utilized a relatively more sophisticated modus operandi. The multi-pronged nature of attack highlights the militant group’s resilience to security forces’ ongoing operations in western Tunisia, as well as their fighters’ abilities to regroup in the aftermath of such operations. It is also indicative of their ability to plan and execute coordinated attacks in order to achieve maximum casualties.

The timing of the attack is further significant. It was likely conducted in response to several developments that undermine the group’s interests in the area. These developments include the recent heightened security protocols put in place by Tunisian security forces along the border area in coordination with their Algerian counterparts.

This has led to a decline in the militant group’s abilities to operate along the border area, as witnessed in February, when Tunisian security forces neutralized a leader of AQIM-OIB in Kasserine Governorate based on intelligence from the Algerian intelligence apparatus. The militant had reportedly been sent from Algeria to reorganize the Tunisian affiliate.

Security protocols along the western border have also hindered smuggling operations, which provide militant groups with supplies and revenue, and cement their codependence with local smugglers, as the latter also depends on these operations as a source of income. Mitigating these operations not only damages the militant group’s supply lines, but also erodes their influence over the local population, as its members inevitably seek other sources of income.

Therefore, the attack likely seeks to compel security forces to divert resources away from Kasserine Governorate, which is AQIM-OIB’s primary area of operations in the country, towards Jendouba Governorate. This will overstretch the resources at the disposal of the Tunisian security apparatus, thus allowing militants to operate more freely in the area.

The latest attack follows the June 3 IS-claimed attack against a gas pipeline near Kasserine Governorate’s Sbeitla. In light of the ongoing competition between IS and AQIM over weapons, supplies, and personnel in western Tunisia, it is highly likely that the latest attack was meant to be symbolic in nature. This would project AQIM-OIB as the more prominent Sunni jihadist group in the country, allowing it to attract supporters and recruits at the expense of IS.

FORECAST: In response, the Tunisian Armed Forces (TAF) will launch intensified counter-militancy operations in western Tunisia, including in Jendouba, Kef, and Kasserine governorates. These will likely include increased security patrols as well as artillery shelling against potential militant hideouts in the mountainous regions. Security protocols will also be elevated along the Algerian border in order to prevent militants from crossing into Algeria and evading arrests.

However, this increase in security presence may provide militants with additional targets, leading to further clashes between security personnel and militants. Moreover, the increase in AQIM-OIB activity may prompt IS to heighten operations in the country in the near term. Overall, given the continued entrenchment of militants in western Tunisia’s mountainous areas due to their demonstrated ability to adapt and evolve, further similar sporadic attacks are likely to take place in the coming weeks and months.

Recommendations

Travel to Tunis may continue while adhering to all security precautions regarding militancy and civil unrest. Those operating or residing in Tunisia are advised that we maintain operational capabilities in the country.

Contact us at [email protected] or +44 20-3540-0434 for itinerary and contingency support options.

Those operating or residing in Jendouba District on July 8 should avoid all travel to the Ghardimaou District in light of the anticipated counter-militancy operations following the attack, as well as the likelihood for further clashes in the area over the coming days.

Avoid all travel to the Kasserine, Kef, and Jendouba Governorates, in addition to all border areas, due to jihadist activity and military closures. Furthermore, avoid all travel to within 50 km from the border with Libya, due to the increased threat of attacks originating from Libya targeting Tunisian interests.

 

How energy production stoppages due to civil unrest may impede economic recovery – Tunisia Analysis

Current Situation:

In recent weeks, there has been an uptick in incidents of civil unrest in Tunisia, mostly in outlying southern areas, which has resulted in service disruptions at energy projects. These events culminated in the stoppage of oil and gas production at fields in Tataouine and Kebili governorates on June 1 due to ongoing protest activity at these sites, as announced by Tunisia’s official news agency.

This particular stretch of protests effectively began on April 23, when thousands of local citizens commenced a sit-in near Tataouine Governorate’s Mount Kamour, which remains ongoing at the time of writing. In this demonstration, the participants are demanding the provision of employment opportunities to the local populace at the oil facilities in the area and have been obstructing access to the oil infrastructure. The protesters are also calling for the nationalization of Tunisia’s resources to prevent foreign companies from contributing to the formers’ “marginalization”.

Meanwhile, protests at similar industrial projects have proliferated in numerous areas of southern outlying Tunisia. To protect these sites from civil unrest, Tunisian Armed Forces (TAF) personnel were deployed to production installations throughout the region by President Beji Caid Essebsi on May 10. In addition, developments at Mount Kamour on May 22 provided further momentum to this wave of demonstrations, as a protester was killed after being hit by a security vehicle during protesters’ attempt to storm an oil installation. This protest was dispersed with tear gas by security forces, after which demonstrators tried to forcibly enter the Tataouine Governorate headquarters, and to burn down local police stations. Moreover, a number of the additional demonstrations that followed this incident were also broken up with force.

In response to these incidents, aside from the staging of additional gatherings in southern Tunisia, a large demonstration materialized in central Tunis in front of the French Embassy to denounce the death of the protester and to express solidarity with the Mount Kamour demonstrations. Some of the protesters reportedly threw projectiles at security forces posted to the demonstration, including rocks, glass objects, and chairs. Moreover, the protesters called for the nationalization of Tunisia’s resources and the expulsion of foreign businesses, stating that international companies such as those from France are “exploiting and impoverishing the State.”

Meanwhile, on May 13, thousands of activists marched along central Tunis’ Habib Bourguiba Avenue to denounce a proposed “reconciliation bill” initiated by President Essebsi, which would grant amnesty to approximately 400 businessmen linked to the ousted President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and who are facing corruption charges.

How energy production stoppages due to civil unrest may impede economic recovery - Tunisia Analysis | MAX Security

Assessments

Though instances of civil unrest in Tunisia’s rural areas are recorded with relatively high frequency, these latest developments, especially the events at Mount Kamour, are particularly notable, given their wide participation, their long duration, as well as for the violence recorded at some of the demonstrations. These incidents further highlight the wide view prevailing among those residing in Tunisia’s outlying areas of their perceived marginalization by authorities, whom they see as ambivalent to their capacity to earn a livelihood and to the conditions under which they live. Furthermore, despite pledges by authorities to create employment opportunities and commence development programs in outlying areas, they have thus far been unable to fulfill past promises. This precedent is liable to have prompted a sizeable number of the participants at Mount Kamour to continue their protest. Moreover, the forcible dispersals of these demonstrations are liable to have hardened citizens’ sense of marginalization.

Furthermore, in light of the cessation of production at oil and gas fields in Tataouine and Kebili Governorates on June 1, such instability at sensitive economic projects carries the potential to deter foreign companies from operating in Tunisia and from investing capital in the country, which would sustain significant revenue losses to the Tunisian state, and deprive it of the capital requisite to revive the national economy. Additionally, protestors’ demand for nationalization of the country’s resources indicates an anti-foreign sentiment regarding international commercial activity in the country, which protesters view as benefiting foreign interests in cooperation with authorities, perceivably at the expense of Tunisian citizens. Thus, this view provides further impetus for staging civil unrest at projects run by foreign industry, which will likely prolong these interruptions in production. Furthermore, the spread of these protests from outlying Tunisia to Tunis indicates sympathy among the latter’s residents with those of the former, particularly given the overall poor state of the national economy, which naturally also affects all citizens.

Contributing to this overall sense of economic disenchantment is the “reconciliation bill” initiated by President Essebsi. This proposed legislation is likely being pursued at this time given its potential to aid the Tunisian economy, as past measures aimed towards this desired effect have not been met with success thus far. With this in mind, authorities likely perceive that through the passing of this bill, large sums of capital that had been acquired through illicit means can be inserted into the Tunisian economy and thus provide it with a significant boost. Furthermore, by way of the stipulations in this bill, government leadership can reconcile with Tunisia’s business community, as the commercial activity of the latter, which includes accomplished veteran figures of Tunisian commerce, could be beneficial to the national economy. Thus, authorities likely perceive this bill as a novel strategy towards fostering economic growth, in lieu of the austerity measures that they have been unable to adopt.

That said, as evidenced by the large demonstration held to protest this bill in central Tunis on May 13, these efforts by authorities have aggravated the sentiments of the population, who likely perceive Tunisia’s democratic transition as stagnating, and even degenerating to that of the ben Ali era. Overall, this is likely due to the fact that much of Tunisian civil society sees a reconciliation with ben Ali-era businessmen as a significant step backwards, as much of the revolutionary activity of large segments of civil society during the 2010-2011 demonstrations were organized to denounce the corruption of ben Ali. Thus, various sectors of Tunisia’s populace are liable to discern a responsibility on their part to protest against this proposed legislation, and in turn, preserve the stated principles of the Tunisian revolution, which includes transparency on the part of public officials.

Furthermore, aside from seeing this legislation as sanctioning corruption, given that this bill was initiated by Essid, himself a former ben Ali official, this legislation is likely widely viewed as Essid’s sustaining of ben Ali’s corruption, thus damaging his public credibility, and that of government leadership. Regardless, authorities are likely pursuing this legislation as a last resort, as they see few alternatives towards improving Tunisia’s economy. The same can be said for the deployment of TAF personnel, who were posted to energy production sites despite the backlash liable to have been anticipated by authorities.

These are the prevailing circumstances despite the ascendance of Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, who was nominated in August 2016 on a platform of economic recovery and development initiatives. Thus, challenges posed to authorities in remedying these issues largely stem from difficulties in passing much-needed austerity measures and reforms in public expenditures, which could to lend to economic growth, due to public reaction against such legislation. Taken as a whole, the unrest that is proliferating throughout Tunisia, as well as potential further public reaction to the proposed reconciliation bill, will likely lend to further instability in the country, including through the disruption of vital industrial projects. While there is no indication that the country is headed to the level of volatility seen during the country’s period of revolutionary upheaval in the earlier part of this decade, recent events indicate that the conditions that led to these events remain.

Forecast

Given the government’s inability thus far to foster growth in the economy and the jobs sectors, as well as the widespread public sense of dissatisfaction, additional protests will likely be witnessed in the coming days and weeks. The majority of these will likely materialize in outlying Tunisia, some of which are liable to feature further civil unrest and forcible dispersals, and will cause additional service disruptions at energy sites, while protests related to these issues will also likely be recorded in Tunis and other major Tunisian cities. Furthermore, in light of this climate of protest, seeing no recourse towards boosting the economy, authorities will likely pursue the Reconciliation Bill and other legislative measures largely viewed as negative by the public, which will also be met with protests. In turn, this will perpetuate the ongoing cycle of economic stagnation and civil unrest.

Recommendations

Travel to Tunis may continue while adhering to all security precautions regarding militancy and civil unrest. Those operating or residing in Tunisia are advised that we maintain operational capabilities in the country. Contact us at [email protected] or +44 20-3540-0434 for itinerary and contingency support options.

We currently advise against nonessential travel to outlying towns and cities in Tunisia, due to the lack of travel and tourist infrastructure and a heightened risk for civil unrest. Those operating in Tunis are advised to avoid nonessential travel to the al-Intikala, Le Kram, Ettadhamen, Ibn Khaldoun, Ennasr, Ariana, Bab el-Khadra, Mornaguia, and Manouba Districts of the capital, due to the potential for civil unrest in these areas. Furthermore, those conducting business at oil and gas fields in Tataouine and Kebili governorates on are advised to compensate for anticipated delays in operations over the coming days and weeks due to the protests at these sites, and the resultant stoppages of production at the facilities, as well as to remain cognizant of possible further cessations of production at energy projects in other governorates.

Why suicide bombing in city of Sidi Bouzid highlights persistent threat of militancy in the country – Tunisia Analysis

Current Situation: Suicide Bombing in Sidi Bouzid

According to the state news agency, clashes between militants and security personnel in Sidi Bouzid which commenced during the morning hours of April 30, had concluded in the late afternoon hours. According to the source, in addition to a militant who previously died when detonating an explosive belt and another who was fatally shot by security forces, four other militants were arrested, while no casualties were inflicted on security personnel. Initial reports suggest that one of the militants who was killed was “an emir of Okba Ibn Nafaa Brigade (OIB)”, referring to the local affiliate of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and that the cell had “capitalized on civil unrest to infiltrate the area, and had planned to conduct an attack during the month of Ramadan”.

Assessments & Forecast

While complete details surrounding the incident have yet to fully emerge at the time of writing, the incident is highly notable due to the reported use of a suicide belt, which indicates a relatively high-level of sophistication and the capabilities of the militants, as well as a likely desire to conduct a high-profile attack. That being said, as no casualties were caused to security forces, as well as the fact that the incident itself took place in a remote location and appeared to not have been aimed at a notable target as would be expected in such an attack, indicate that the incident was not the attack meant to be carried out by the militants. Instead, it is more likely that security forces detected the militants when the latter were still ahead of launching their intended attack, and targeted them, thus forcing them to react, foiling the originally planned militant operation. These developments, in turn, underscore the relatively high capabilities of Tunisian security forces, as they were able to detect and confront the militants, likely foiling what would have been a large-scale attack.

Furthermore, given that there were several militants involved in the incident, it is possible that their plan involved conducting a multi-pronged attack involving a suicide bomber as well as small arms fire, thus maximizing the potential level of casualties. Furthermore, despite the location in which the incident took place, it cannot be ruled out that the militants were using the area for staging purposes prior to locating to a different part of the country where the actual  attack would have been conducted, which could have included a central city in the country or a soft target, such as a tourist locale or strategic infrastructure.

Moreover, the incident serves to underscore the persistent underlying threat of militant attacks in Tunisia, presented by the Islamic State (IS) and AQIM through its local affiliate OIB, who both have a known physical presence in the country. This threat is further manifested in frequent arrests of militants of various capacities throughout the country, as well as less frequent attacks conducted in the outlying areas of the country, which are mostly aimed at security forces and related targets.

With this in mind, such a persistent entrenchment of militants in Tunisia, despite efforts to the contrary which include a nationwide ongoing state of emergency, are the result of three main factors in particular. First, the populaces’ growing susceptance to radicalization, particularly in the outlying areas of Tunisia, which is a result of prolonged economic difficulties and growing disenchantment with the events following the 2011 revolution due to a perception of marginalization by the government. This allows for a large pool of potential recruits for militant groups, but also logistic support to active cells, which facilitate their operations within the population’s midst. Second, the terrain in which militant groups operate, which largely includes mountains and dense vegetation, making it harder to detect militants and providing them with an advantage when attempting to avoid or confront security forces. Third, the porous borders with Libya and Algeria, in which both AQIM and IS have a presence, which allows militants to transfer fighters and weapons into Tunisia to support their efforts in the country.

Why suicide bombing in city of Sidi Bouzid highlights persistent threat of militancy in the country - Tunisia Analysis | MAX Security

Taken as a whole, the development is indicative of the intentions of militants to conduct a high profile attack in Tunisia, likely as part of their interest to expand their operations in the country and assume a more prominent role in it. This coincides with a similar process witnessed in Algeria, and likely stems from the ongoing regional competition between IS and AQIM over dominance of the Jihadist landscape, which will grant either of the group’s leverage when vying for their shared resource pool, namely potential recruits, funds, and popular support from the global radicalized Islamist population. FORECAST: With this in mind, given the persistent threat of militancy in the country, coupled with the reported arrest of several of the militants who may provide valuable intelligence information, the Tunisian security forces are liable to launch additional arrest raids throughout the country over the coming days and weeks in order to further mitigate this persistent risk. Nonetheless, given the proven high motivation and capabilities of militants, the manifestation of a successful high profile attack occurring again in Tunisia over the coming weeks and months cannot be ruled out.

Recommendations

Travel to Tunis may continue while adhering to all security precautions regarding militancy and civil unrest. Those operating or residing in Tunisia are advised that we maintain operational capabilities in the country. Contact us at [email protected] or +44 20-3540-0434 for itinerary and contingency support options. We currently advise to maintain heightened vigilance in Tunisia’s coastal areas while avoiding nonessential travel to other outlying towns and cities due to the lack of travel and tourist infrastructure and a heightened risk for civil unrest and militancy.  In addition, avoid nonessential travel to the vicinity of government and security installations, as well as political meetings, while maintaining heightened vigilance in the vicinity of hotels and touristic sites, due to the potential threat of militant attacks against such locales. Avoid all travel to the Kasserine, Kef, and Jendouba Governorates, in addition to all border areas, due to jihadist activity and military closures. Furthermore, avoid all travel to within 50 km from the border with Libya, due to the increased threat of attacks originating from Libya targeting Tunisian interests.

How the legacy of ineffective governance following Tunisian revolution continues to handicap economic development

Background: Tunisian Revolution

Following the Tunisian Revolution in January 2011, the country has been led by six different Prime Ministers, and has been under Prime Minister Youssef Chahed since August 27, 2016. Chahed followed his predecessor’s dismissal in a parliamentary no-confidence vote due to, among various reasons, his inability to successfully impose economic reforms. Since the Tunisian revolution, a continued trend of weak governance and ineffective reform has continued to inhibit Tunisia’s economic growth. In this context, Tunisia’s economy continues to struggle as nationwide unemployment has climbed to nearly 16%. Additionally, Tunisia has experienced a sharp contraction in foreign direct investment, which reportedly fell by approximately 57% from 1.58 billion USD in 2011 to 904 million USD in 2015.

As discontent grows among citizens regarding perceived marginalization by government policies and a lack of economic opportunities in outlying areas, incidents of civil unrest, which have generated disruptions in Tunisia’s most vital economic sectors including the oil and phosphate industries, continue to be reported on a relatively frequent basis. Such repeated incidents portray Tunisia as having an unstable environment in which to conduct business for current and potential foreign investors. This ultimately perpetuates the continued decline in foreign direct investment, resulting in negative consequences for possible economic development.

In addition, militant activity in Tunisia continues to drive away both foreign investors as well as potential tourists, further hindering the country’s economic progress. To this end, the country experienced multiple, highly notable militant attacks during the course of 2015. The first attack occurred at the Bardo National Museum in the capital city of Tunis on March 18, 2015 which left 22 dead, the majority of which were European tourists. Three months later, 40 tourists were killed in a June 26, 2015 attack targeting two resorts near Sousse.

Following this, on November 24, 2015 at least 12 security personnel were killed is a suicide bombing attack targeting a bus carrying members of the Tunisian Presidential Security in Tunis. Finally, on March 7, 2016 militants attacked security forces in southeastern Tunisia’s Ben Guerdane, which subsequently developed into intermittent, high-casualty clashes between militants and security forces in the area over the following days. These led to direct and damaging impact on the country’s economy, as clearly demonstrated by the drop in foreign tourism and foreign investment in recent years following the attacks, after an initial clime following the Tunisian revolution.

How the legacy of ineffective governance following Tunisian revolution continues to handicap economic development | MAX Security

The Challenges Ahead

While a slight uptick of direct foreign investment in the energy and manufacturing sectors may be noted due to eased restrictions under newly introduced investment legislation, a major influx in foreign direct investment in the coming months is not likely given Tunisia’s enduring political instability and civil unrest. Similarly, unless government leaders are able to compromise with Tunisia’s labor unions,  economic restructuring and resulting economic growth will be nearly impossible. Given precedent and the lack of progress in reaching a workable agreement between the parties, as well as the threat of severe, widespread civil unrest should the government attempt to enact a labor measure unilaterally, we assess that such progress remains unlikely in the near future.

Job opportunities and related secondary economic activities in the tourism sector are also unlikely to experience significant expansion in the immediate future due to continued economic stagnation. As a result, we assess that the category’s current contribution to the country’s GDP at approximately 7%, or around 3.1 billion USD using 2015 figures, will likely remain stagnant or experience modest growth of one to two percentage points, reaching an average of 3.7 billion USD (given an estimated 2.5% GDP growth rate in 2016).

Taken as a whole, considering Tunisia’s relative political instability and ineffective governance across the board, persisting country-wide civil unrest and high threat of militancy, we assess that in the coming months Tunisia’s economy is unlikely to either surpass or deteriorate from its present state. Furthermore, substantial economic growth in the country will remain considerably handicapped until the administration attains enough authority to implement significant reforms fostering an increase in both domestic prosperity and foreign investment.

How the legacy of ineffective governance following Tunisian revolution continues to handicap economic development | MAX Security

Causes of Economic Decline

Falling Foreign Direct Investment

Although following the Tunisian revolution, Tunisia has been hailed as an emerging model of democracy in the region, the country’s aspiration to develop a stable and inclusive democratic government has yet to be fully realized. After the ousting of President Ben Ali in January 2011 and the subsequent resignation of Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi shortly thereafter, six Heads of Government have been installed, each serving an average of approximately 13 months in office until their eventual resignation or replacement by Parliament vote. With such frequent changes in leadership, the government is effectively operating in “short-term mode,” which presents a significant obstacle in implementing the much needed long-term, sustainable economic solutions that would, for example, increase domestic employment or attract foreign direct investment.

We assess that such frequent changes in leadership further serve to deter foreign investment, as the slew of administrative transitions since the Tunisian revolution create the perception of political instability in the country. Under these conditions, potential investors likely fear that agreements made under one government may be disregarded by successive governments, causing significant damage to the businesses. In this context, on September 17, 2016 Tunisia’s parliament approved a new investment law which will reportedly ease bureaucratic restrictions in an attempt to present a more stable model of economic conduct and attract more foreign investors.  Such a cycle of leadership changes does little to ensure an investment’s security and in effect likely deters new investments.

Civil Unrest and Powerful Unions

An additional primary force dissuading foreign investment is the recurrent acts of civil unrest due to the general anti-government sentiment and high rates of unemployment across the country, particularly in outlying areas where industrial production is often based. To this end, during the month of September, a British gas company declared a temporary force majeure on the Chargui gas field in Kerkennah Island and Canadian oil company employees held a sit-in at the company’s headquarters and oil fields in Tataouine Governorate, underscoring the significant impact of such incidents on foreign business continuity in the country.

Due to repeated work-stoppages and protests over the last year, the phosphate industry reportedly suffered a 4.5 billion USD operational loss, while over 4.9 billion USD were lost as foreign companies have divested from the economy. Such activity places a major obstacle before foreign entities who may consider investing in Tunisia, as the country’s ineffective system of governance as well as pervasive unemployment and the resulting anti-government sentiment does not provide an environment ripe for economic opportunity and investment security.

Current Prime Minister Youssef Chahed has promised major economic progress to come under his leadership, citing a need to crackdown on country-wide protests, and to implement austerity measures including pay cuts and tax hikes, likely in order to satisfy the requirements that come along with the 2.9 billion USD IMF loan granted to the country in June 2016. In this context, public sector salaries in Tunisia accounted for 38% of the 2015 budget and 13.5% of the country’s GDP, one of the highest proportional costs in the world. To this end, Chahed imposed a 30% pay cut to ministerial salaries in September 2016, and reportedly plans to extend similar cuts to other employees in the public sector.

However, regardless of Chahed’s desire to impose such measures, broad public income cuts and other austerity measures have proven to be unachievable given the strong position of labor unions, primarily the dominant Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), which exists as a major force in representing citizens’ and workers’ rights in the country, often in opposition to government policy and directives. This conflict was clearly demonstrated on October 6 when the UGTT Secretary General openly asserted that the union would reject any delay or cancellation of wage increases in response to Chahed’s call to put such salary raises on hold as part of a public sector income freeze. Furthermore, on October 20, the UGTT threatened to stage mass protests in response to the the proposed 2017 budget which included measures such as delayed wage raises and new taxes on doctors and lawyers.

While Tunisia’s administration understands these measures to be crucial in revitalizing the country’s economy, sections of the public as well as the labor unions strongly oppose the measures which they view as policies against the interest of Tunisian citizens and laborers. In this context, the ongoing disputes between labor groups and the government present a significant obstacle to initiating sustainable economic development in the country.

Declining Tourism, Persistent Militant Threats

Following the aforementioned four large scale militant attacks in 2015-2016, foreign tourism in Tunisia has dropped by a reported 46% in 2016, with a 48% decline in European tourism overall. Despite significant declines in the conventional European tourist market, an increasing number of Russian and Algerian tourists have been recorded over the past year. However, the tourism sector which provided 400,000 direct and indirect jobs at its height, is unlikely to make a prominent recovery in the near future given the enduring perceived threat of militancy targeting European tourists. Such sentiment is clearly demonstrated by the October 6 announcement from a major UK-based tour operator that has cancelled all services in Tunisia through October 31, 2017. Furthermore, the UK’s Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) current recommendation advises against all but essential travel to Tunisia, further amplifying the perceived danger in the country.

In this context, while we assess that Tunisia’s tourism industry may experience a gradual recovery over the coming year as it becomes farther removed from recent attacks, and depending on its ability to effectively combat the enduring threat of militancy in the country,  it is likely that the sector’s growth will remain limited given the reluctance of Europeans, the bulk of available foreign tourism in the region, to travel to the area thus further hindering potential economic growth. Furthermore, as the cyclical nature of Tunisia’s economic deterioration is perpetuated, it remains likely that local support for militants will continue to grow as some sectors of the population feel that such activity is the only way to take action against the government which they perceive to have implemented policies of marginalization and economic oppression, thereby possibly exacerbating the challenges facing the country.

Recommendations

Travel to Tunis may continue while adhering to all security precautions regarding militancy and civil unrest. Those operating or residing in Tunisia are advised that we maintain operational capabilities in the country. Contact us at [email protected] or +44 20-3540-0434 for itinerary and contingency support options. We currently advise against nonessential travel to outlying towns and cities in Tunisia, due to the lack of travel and tourist infrastructure and a heightened risk for civil unrest and militancy. Furthermore, avoid all travel to within 50 km from the border with Libya, due to the increased threat of attacks originating from Libya targeting Tunisian interests. Those operating in Tunis are advised to avoid nonessential travel to the al-Intikala, Le Kram, Ettadhamen, Ibn Khaldoun, Ennasr, Ariana, Bab el-Khadra, Mornaguia, and Manouba Districts of the capital, due to the potential for unrest as well as militant activities.

 

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Tunisia: Implications of the Sousse attack, and why Government Countermeasures May Be a Shot in the Foot

By: Oded Berkowitz

 

On June 26, a militant disguised as a tourist came ashore the beach at Sousse’s Port el Kantaoui, drew an assault rifle hidden in a beach umbrella and opened fire, deliberately targeting foreigners. 38 tourists hailing from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Russia, and Portugal were killed, while 39 individuals were wounded, including seven local employees. The attack was subsequently claimed by the Islamic State (IS) organization, and seems to indicate the group’s intention to lay the foundations towards an eventual expansion of its operations in Tunisia. Worryingly, IS’s plans may actually benefit from the Tunisian government’s response to the attack, as the emergency measures being undertaken to “defeat terrorism” also alienate the population and may serve to weaken the government’s legitimacy.

 

In the immediate aftermath of the Sousse shooting, Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi initiated an emergency plan intended to reduce the threat of militancy in the country. The plan included closing down 80 mosques perceived as “inciting to violence”, offering cash rewards for information that will lead to arrests of “terrorists”, calling up the Tunisian Armed Forces (TAF) reserves to intensify counter-militancy operations in the outlying regions of the country, as well as bolstering the deployment of security forces near prominent tourist attractions and beaches. Moreover, on July 4, Essebsi declared a 30-day state of emergency for the first time since March 2014. The state of emergency allows the government to restrict freedom of movement, freedom of gathering, and grants it the authority to seize goods and to close down places of business. In his speech to the nation, Essebsi justified his decision by stating that Tunisia is in a “state of war” and that “one more attack may cause the state to collapse”, while also criticized demonstrations that disrupt the production of phosphates as helping the militants’ agenda by discouraging foreign companies from investing in the country.

 

The June 26 attack in Sousse represents the second large scale militant attack in Tunisia claimed by IS, following the Bardo Museum attack in Tunis, and the largest one in the country to date. This, in turn, points towards a growing interest by IS in carrying out high-profile attacks in Tunisia, with the aim of deterring tourism and foreign direct investments, in order to destabilize the country’s economic situation. Moreover, given Tunisia’s successful democratic transition following the parliamentary and presidential elections in 2014, it is likely that IS is intentionally attempting to provoke a reaction from the government, much like the state of emergency, that will be perceived by the citizens as infringing on their rights, thus further destabilizing the political and social situations as well. This was already seen in early July when clashes between security forces and local residents manifested as the former attempted to close down a mosque.

 

Should IS be successful in its plan, it will allow the group to broaden its foothold in the country through the outlying regions, where citizens already feel marginalized by the government given the high unemployment rates, poor infrastructure, and lack of government investments in these areas. Such regions are already considered strongholds for militant groups, in light of their favoring terrain and population, as well as proximity to the borders, which allows for cooperation with groups in neighbouring Algeria and Libya, as well as for escape routes in times of attacks.

 

That said, and despite the relative success of the attack in Sousse, it was probably conducted by supporters of IS, who were directed by officials from the organization to target tourists in Tunisia during Ramadan, but were relatively independent in implementation. This is based on the fact that the attack, much like the one in Bardo, was conducted by a single assailant with relatively simple means, and did not involve high grade explosives, a sophisticated and complicated plan, or other advanced capabilities. While such modus operandi is rare for groups that are considered an integral part of IS, it is common for those that aren’t yet accepted by the central organization as an official IS group or “Wilaya” (Province). With this in mind, it is possible that the Bardo and Sousse attacks were also meant as a “show of force” by these local supporters, in preparation for a future  pledge of allegiance to IS’s leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and induction into the organization.

 

In this context, despite the likely long-term plans IS has for Tunisia, it is still in preliminary stages and far from commencing, particularly as the group currently views Libya as its top priority in the region. With this in mind, IS will invest more resources to compensate for its recent loss of Derna, the group’s first stronghold in Libya which is also perceived by it as its “capital” in the region, as well as to further expand its territory there, rather than in supporting efforts in neighboring countries like Tunisia. Thus, the Sousse attack was likely part of IS’ attempts to lay the foundations for expansion in Tunisia and further efforts to destabilize the country, which will be implemented by the group when it deems the timing is right.


Overall, while security forces have generally proven their ability to foil plans of attacks against foreign and civilian targets in the past, and that the emergency measures are liable to upgrade their capabilities in the short term,  some of the measures of Essebsi’s emergency plan, as well as in the declared state of emergency, may antagonize the population. This may cause more grievances between it and the government and ultimately make the plan counterproductive, as it may drive some locals to lend more support to the militants in the long-term. However, while only a relatively small portion of the population is expected to actively support the militants, among the remainder of the population, opposition to the government will substantially grow in light of the perceived violations of their civil rights. Thus, Essebsi’s plans may in and of themselves pose additional challenges to the stability of the state. Essentially, the Tunisian government is sacrificing its viability and credibility as the one true success story of the “Arab Spring” for a questionable addition to its immediate security, a move that may turn out to be a shot it the foot.

 

Oded Berkowitz is a senior intelligence analyst at MAX security, specializing in the North African region. Oded holds a B.A in Political Science and Middle Eastern StudIes and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Counter Terrorism and Homeland Security, while also serving as an infantry captain in the Israel Defense Forces. He can be followed on twitter at @Oded121351

Tunisia: Unprecedented ground operation to eradicate militant strongholds in Chaambi Mountains likely to increase jihadist efforts to stage attacks

Current Situation

On April 21, the Tunisian Defense Ministry annTunisiaounced that security forces in the Chaambi Mountains were “gaining ground” against jihadists located in the region, as the military started joint operations involving both ground forces, fighter jets, and helicopters, as well as artillery and mortar shelling. According to the statement, the goal of the operations is to seize control over the entire area that fell under militant control in 2012. Such militant groups include the Okba Ibn Nafaa Brigade, as well as Ansar al-Sharia in Tunisia (AST) and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), with AST considered the most active of the three in the country.

  • On April 11, the Tunisian President extended the closed military zone in Chaambi to neighboring mountains of Sammama, Salloum, and Meghila while on April 16 ground reinforcements were reportedly sent to the region. On April 21 Prime Minister Mehdi Ben Jemaa pledged to eliminate jihadist groups threatening the country while stating that security forces were “moving to the highest point of the mountains”. On May 6 during a visit in the region, President Moncef Marzouki offered amnesty for jihadists “without blood on their hands”.

  • On April 18 following clashes with militants and security forces in the region, an officer was killed during the explosion of a mine as he and three other soldiers were patrolling the area in a military vehicle. The Tunisian air force then carried several airstrikes on suspected militants positions in the region, while clashes were reported outside the closed military zone, near the industrial area in Kasserine on April 23.

  • The operation follows intermittent artillery strikes on the area on April 9-11, March 25, February 4-6 and December 31-January 1. However, following deadly clashes between Tunisian ground forces and militants in August 2013, ground operations were halted.

  • According to an April 28 official government statement, Tunisian anti-terrorist brigades arrested nine suspected jihadists following a security raid in Douar Hicher in the La Manouba District and in the Ettadhamen District near Tunis. According to a communique published by the Interior Ministry, the suspected jihadists were reportedly planning attacks and are linked to other wanted militants remaining at large.

Continue reading Tunisia: Unprecedented ground operation to eradicate militant strongholds in Chaambi Mountains likely to increase jihadist efforts to stage attacks

Political Analysis: Bouteflika clan attempts to cement rule in Algeria

There are those who argue that Egypt’s infamous dictator Hosni Mubarak sealed his own fate long before the first activists pitched their tents in Tahrir Square in January 2011. They say the countdown really began in 2010, when Mubarak’s eldest son Gamal pitched a bold economic reform package to weather Egypt through the global economic recession.

bouteflika
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika

At the time, Gamal was known to be next in line to succeed his father. The plan would have essentially taken the regime’s massive economic holdings out of the hands of the military-backed older generation and put it into the hands of Gamal’s loyal young business class within the ruling NDP party. After the Arab Spring engulfed the country, the Egyptian military unsurprisingly had little motivation to save the embattled Mubarak family, instead organizing his dismissal and eventually enabling the trial of Hosni and his two sons on corruption charges. 

Numerous comparisons between Egypt and Algeria have since been made in the global pundit-sphere. Most have focused on their respective battles with political Islam, but few have given credit to Algeria’s aging President Abdelaziz Bouteflika for recognizing Mubarak’s mistakes and keeping his regime afloat amid the storm of regional political upheaval.

Continue reading Political Analysis: Bouteflika clan attempts to cement rule in Algeria

Intelligence Analysis: Mounting tensions with Tunisia’s Jihadists

The month of March 2013 has witnessed an increase in tensions between local Tunisian Salafist networks, the newly formed government of P.M. Laarayedh, and the country’s secular/liberal societal factions.

On March 26, Ansar al-Sharia in Tunisia (AST) issued a warning on social media towards P.M. Laarayedh, after he condemned Tunisia’s Salafist minority as responsible for recent violence in an interview with French media that same day. The post featured a threat to topple the government from Abu Iyad al-Tunisi, a prominent jihadist founder of AST suspected of orchestrating the September 11, 2012 riots at the U.S. Embassy in Tunis. Following those riots, Abu Iyad was targeted for arrest at the al-Fatah Mosque in Tunis, but escaped after his supporters confronted security forces.

Ansar al-Sharia in Tunisia has recently threatened the government.
Ansar al-Sharia in Tunisia has recently threatened the government.

Iyad’s warning came days after al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), issued a new message calling on jihadists across the region to to join its ranks and take up arms against French assets as well as Western-sympathetic local governments in the Arab World. The message included a specific call towards Ansar al-Sharia members in Tunisia, which was reportedly received positively by the group.

On March 27, the Tunisian government announced that it would take measures to curb the flow of Tunisian jihadists to the conflict in Syria, citing concerns over their return to the country to engage in militant activity. Reports indicate that thousands of Tunisians are currently participating in both the Syrian and Malian conflict. In Syria, Tunisian nationals are estimated to comprise 30-40 percent of all foreign fighters. The majority of Tunisian jihadists fighting in Syria hail from outlying communities in the west and south of the country, primarily the town of Ben Guerdane, located near the Libyan border. Multiple Tunisian nationals also participated in a deadly raid against Algeria’s In Amenas gas facility in January 2013.

Following the 2010-11 Tunisian revolution, Salafist-jihadist elements have increased their activity substantially. Following the ousting of the Ben Ali regime, previously strict anti-Islamist policing policies were forgone, while the ensuing security vacuum enabled the establishment of training camps and weapons smuggling networks in outlying areas. Training camps near the Libyan and Algerian borders are currently meant to facilitate the indoctrination and transfer of Tunisian nationals to conflicts elsewhere in the region, including in Syria, Mali, and Algeria.

Continue reading Intelligence Analysis: Mounting tensions with Tunisia’s Jihadists