Update May 17, 2024: On May 16, Saadia Mosbah and at least two people connected to Terre d’Asile Tunisie (Land of Asylum Tunisia) appeared before a judge and were placed in pretrial detention. 

Tunisian authorities have arrested at least nine people amid escalating government actions in recent weeks to muzzle free speech, prosecute dissent, and crack down on migrants and asylum seekers, Human Rights Watch said today. Tunisian authorities should respect and protect space for independent civil society to operate fully and freely.

Between May 3 and 13, 2024, security forces arrested two prominent lawyers and two well-known journalists, as well as at least five members of at least three legally registered nongovernmental organizations working on migration, asylum, and racial justice: Mnemty, the Tunisian Refugee Council, and Terre d’Asile Tunisie. In total, members of at least eight nongovernmental organizations have been investigated or summoned. 

“The clampdown on migration-related work at the same time as the increasing arrest of government critics and journalists sends a chilling message that anyone who doesn’t fall in line may end up in the authorities’ crosshairs,” said Lama Fakih, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “By targeting these civil society groups, Tunisian authorities jeopardize the vital support they provide migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers living in extremely vulnerable situations.” 

On May 11, security officers stormed the Tunisian Bar Association’s headquarters during a live television broadcast, arresting a media commentator and lawyer, Sonia Dahmani, for sarcastic comments made on May 7 questioning the claim that Black African migrants were seeking to settle in Tunisia. Based on media reports, Dahmani’s arrest and subsequent detention was based on Decree-Law 54 on cybercrime, which imposes heavy prison sentences for spreading “fake news” and “rumors” online and in the media, after she refused to respond to a summons for questioning.

The same evening, authorities also arrested two other journalists and colleagues of Dahmani—Mourad Zeghidi and Borhen Bsaies—in connection with unrelated statements made in the media and online, also under Decree-Law 54. They have been placed in pretrial detention pending trial on April 22.

On May 13, security officers arrested Mehdi Zagrouba, a lawyer and government critic. Tunisia’s Interior Ministry said in a statement that Zagrouba was arrested because he had assaulted police officers that day near a Tunis court. On May 15, Tunisian President Kais Saied said in a statement that “those who dare to denigrate their country in the media and who violently assaulted police officers … cannot remain unaccountable,” in indirect reference to Dahmani and Zagrouba. 

Security forces arrested Saadia Mosbah, the head of the anti-racism organization Mnemty (My Dream), and Zied Rouin, the organization’s program coordinator, on May 6. They also searched Mosbah’s home and the group’s offices, confiscating devices and documents. While Rouin was released after questioning, a public prosecutor placed Mosbah in custody for 10 days as part of an investigation into alleged financial crimes under Tunisia’s 2015 counterterrorism law. A person close to the case told Human Rights Watch that security forces questioned Mosbah about Mnemty’s funding and activities.  

Mosbah is a prominent Black Tunisian activist and a pioneer in the fight against racism in Tunisia who contributed to the adoption in 2018 of a landmark law for the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination. Pro-government social media accounts engaged in an aggressive online smear campaign against Mosbah that gained traction days before her arrest, Human Rights Watch said.

The same day as Mosbah’s arrest, Saied said that foreign funding was being funneled to national organizations to settle migrants in Tunisia illegally and referred to the heads of the organizations as “traitors.” He also confirmed that Tunisian authorities were expelling migrants to border areas in “continued cooperation” with neighboring countries. On May 3 and 4, security forces raided at least two makeshift camps and a youth hostel in Tunis and evicted hundreds of Black African migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. At least 80 of them were arrested and 400 were expelled to the country’s borders, according to the authorities. These constitute unlawful collective expulsions, which are prohibited by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Human Rights Watch said. 

Saied’s comments strongly echoed his February 2023 speech, which led to a surge in attacks and abuses by both Tunisian citizens and security forces against Black Africans in Tunisia. At the time, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination called Saied’s speech racist and considered that such remarks violate the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, to which Tunisia is a state party.

On May 7, a court spokesperson told the national news agency that the president and vice president of a civil society group had been detained that day on suspicion of embezzlement and financial misconduct. Though they were not named, Human Rights Watch confirmed that these remarks were in reference to the president and vice president of the Tunisian Refugee Council (Conseil Tunisien pour les Réfugiés, CTR).

Based on the spokesperson’s comments to the media, the public prosecutor’s office accused the heads of the CTR of “forming a criminal association with the aim of helping people to enter Tunisia” illegally in connection with a “call for tenders to Tunisian hotel establishments for the accommodation of African migrants” that their organization published “without coordination with the security and administrative authorities,” referring to its work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The CTR was formed in 2016 and has been a key partner of the UNHCR in Tunisia, being primarily responsible for the collection and initial screening of asylum applications, which are subsequently processed by UNHCR. 

The CTR also provides other services to support the UNHCR’s mandate, such as arranging emergency accommodation and medical assistance for refugees and asylum seekers. On May 2, it published a public tender for Tunisian hotels to provide services for the CTR’s beneficiaries, sparking a backlash on social media and among parliament members.

The court spokesperson also said that another group supporting asylum seekers and refugees in Tunisia was also being investigated. Sources told Human Rights Watch that the spokesperson was referring to Terre d’Asile Tunisie (Land of Asylum Tunisia), and that at least two people linked to the organization had been arrested on May 8.

The Tunisian police, military, and National Guard, including the Coast Guard, have committed serious abuses against Black African migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in recent years, with abuses increasing since 2023. Human Rights Watch has documented beatings, use of excessive force, some cases of torture, arbitrary arrests and detention, collective expulsions, dangerous actions at sea during boat interceptions, forced evictions, and the theft of money and belongings. 

As of April 30, over 17,000 refugees and asylum seekers were registered with the UNHCR in Tunisia. Over 7,000 are Sudanese, including many who have fled Sudan’s conflict since April 2023.  

On May 15, the European Union and France issued statements expressing concern over the recent arrests of civil society representatives in Tunisia. The EU said its delegation in the country had made inquiries to the authorities about the reasons for the arrests. Saied indirectly referred to these statements later that day, saying they were an unacceptable foreign intervention.

On July 16, 2023, the EU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tunisia that included a funding package of up to €1 billion, including €105 million to curb irregular migration, without any specific human rights guarantees for migrants and asylum seekers.

The EU Commission should ensure that no EU funding is disbursed to governmental entities that commit human rights abuses against migrants or asylum seekers, and they should tie future migration cooperation with Tunisia to genuine guarantees that civil society groups working on migrant and refugee rights can perform their activities without fear of harassment or reprisal.

According to the Tunisian government, a draft law on associations is currently being finalized by the Tunisian Justice Ministry. Leaked drafts since 2022 suggest that the government may give the administration overly broad powers and discretion to interfere with the way civil society organizations are formed, their functions and operations, and their funding. Human Rights Watch has previously expressed concerns about another draft law on associations. 

Since July 25, 2021, Saied has dismantled Tunisia’s democratic institutions, undermined judicial independence, and stifled the exercise of freedom of expression and the press, Human Rights Watch said. Tunisia’s international partners should press the government to drop the plan to adopt the draft law on civil society organizations, which if passed would undermine freedom of association in the country.

“Targeting nongovernmental groups supporting migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees is part of a broader effort to dismantle Tunisia’s civic space,” Fakih said. “The EU, which has pledged millions to Tunisia on migration cooperation, should ensure that the authorities protect space for independent civil society to work on these issues in the country.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Friday, 17th May 2024, received the new President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who is on a day’s working visit to Ghana.

His visit to Ghana marks a significant milestone in the enduring friendship and cooperation between our two nations.

On 24th March this year, Faye, 44, won Presidential elections in Senegal and was sworn into office on 2nd April. An event which was attended by President Akufo-Addo. 

Describing it as a brief but very important visit, President Akufo-Addo was happy to note that the worst fears of many-an-African, that Senegal, one of the democratic powerhouses of the continent, will plunge into the realms of instability and political crises.

Addressing the Press after bilateral discussions, President Akufo-Addo said, “I went to his inauguration, because of the history between our two countries and also because his election was a source of reassurance to all of us who are interested in the democratic future of our region and of our continent. It appeared at one time as if Senegal’s reputation as a country committed to the principles of democratic accountability, respect for human rights, rule of law, was being jeopardised, but fortunately good sense prevailed.”

“Elections were held and out of the elections, Bassirou Faye emerged as a clear convincing winner of the elections, and the manner in which he ascended to the Presidency has brought peace and unity to his country, and that again, Senegal’s very important role in the development of the ECOWAS community, has now been fully confirmed.

The bilateral discussions, President Akufo-Addo said, also focused on deepening the ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries and on the exploration of ways to try and resolve the problems in the ECOWAS community which includes extending a hand of friendship and brotherhood to Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali and bring them back within the ECOWAS community.

Congratulating President Faye, he said, the new Senegalese leader’s elections, has been an inspiration to many young people in Ghana, and encouraged them to be more ambitious. 

“They all want to be president of this country now,” he said. “So, this is the example that you have set, it’s a very good example and we wish you the very best on these responsibilities that you have taken, which places you are in the line of great leaders that Senegal has had in the past.”

President Faye commended President Akufo-Addo’s Pan African credentials and pledged to seek counsel on his ideals towards desired levels of African integration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

The Northern Regional House of Chiefs, has commended the government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for numerous development projects the region has seen since the government assumed office.

Dr. Bawumia, who is also the NPP Flagbearer for this year’s election, is in the Northern Region, as part of his nationwide engagements with key stakeholders, including traditional leaders.

Welcoming Dr. Bawumia to the region, during his interaction with the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, on Thursday, Ndan Ya-Naa Naa Abukari II, who is also President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, said the region appreciates the NPP government for the springing up of what he called  “monumental” development projects, as well as the support and contribution of Dr. Bawumia, to the progress of the region.

“We feel and appreciate the impact your government has made in the last seven years, of good governance, working to improve the living conditions of our people,” the Ya Naa said, in his speech, read  in his presence.

‘We value your efforts, notably the peace and monumental projects in the region,” added the Ya Naa, who went on to list some of the projects.

“Mention is made of a few, particularly the state of the art sports stadium in our present locality, the ongoing construction of a multi-purpose sports  centre for the gallant men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Tamale International Airport, the  interchange in our regional capital, among many others.’

The Ya Naa continued that the government’s development projects in the  Northern Region have impacted positively on the region by creating opportunities for the youth.

“These projects have employed many youth, lessened the hardships of several families and  contributed to reducing youth unemployment in the country,” he noted.

While commending the government and the Vice President, the Ya Naa also expressed some concerns and appealed to Dr. Bawumia to push for some projects, like  the Tamale and Yendi Water Supply projects, to complete in earnest.

The Ya Naa, on behalf of the Northern  Regional House of Chiefs, formally congratulated Dr. Bawumia on his historic election as NPP Flagbearer, and wished him well, as he seeks to lead the country as President.

“I wish you a happy and prosperous campaign. May Allah Azza Wa Jal (Owner of Greatness) grant you the opportunity to serve in the highest office of the land,”  he added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Administrator Samantha Power will travel to Morocco from May 19-22 to underscore the United States’ commitment to deepening relations with one of its oldest allies. During her trip, Administrator Power will meet with government officials, partner organizations, youth, and local communities. The Administrator will highlight how USAID is partnering with local organizations in Morocco to advance locally led development as critical to driving lasting and meaningful gains. She will also visit communities impacted by last year’s earthquake to see first-hand how USAID programs are supporting Morocco’s ongoing recovery efforts.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United States Agency for International Development (USAID).