Tunisia is the only country within the Arab Spring movement that has succeeded in a transition to democracy. But fears of terrorism and worries over economy still remain. Because of this, the Nobel Peace Prize to Tunisia’s national dialogue mediators comes at an opportune moment.
The Norwegian Nobel committee chose the “National Dialogue Quartet” that had helped prevent Tunisia from sliding into civil war.
In 2013 the powerful groupings got together after the murders of opposition politicians Chokri Belaid and Mohamed Brahmi - killings attributed to extremists - triggered a serious political crisis. Two years after the Jasmine Revolution toppled long-ruling president Zine Abidine Ben Ali, the country was threatened by division and new violence.
But the Quartet of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA), the Tunisian Human Rights League (LTDH) and the Tunisian Bar Association sprang into action, bringing the political opponents together to the negotiating table.
The Ennahda Party announced its withdrawal from the government, which was succeeded by a cabinet of technocrats led by Mehdi Jomaa.
“More than anything else the prize is intended as an encouragement to the Tunisian people, who despite major challenges have laid the groundwork for a national fraternity which the Committee hopes will serve as an example to be followed by other countries,” said the Nobel prize committee in announcing the award.
While other countries of the Arab Spring such as Syria, Libya and Yemen have slid into civil war, the Tunisians, despite a number of setbacks, have proceeded further on the path of democracy.
And in contrast to Egypt, where fears of instability have brought a new authoritarian system to power, the North African country of 11mn people has a new, modern constitution.
Well-organised parliamentary and presidential elections have brought the Nidaa Tounes party to the head of government. In order to preserve the social peace, Ennahda too has taken a seat in the new cabinet.
Despite the successes shown by the democratisation process, the North African country is still to overcome major economic challenges. Terrorist attacks that claimed some 60 lives earlier this year at the capital’s Bardo Museum and the holiday resort of Sousse have hit the tourist industry hard. Unemployment, especially among the young, is high.
“We are living in difficult times. But despite the misunderstandings and disputes there is still some good news,” commented President Beji Caid Essibsi about the Nobel announcement. “Not everything is black.”
He said the award recognised the “path of consensus” chosen by the country after the 2011 revolution. “Tunisia has no other solution than dialogue despite ideological disagreements.”
The Nobel Prize is a signal to the Tunisians not to give up, but to strive to remain a model for the entire region.
