Summary:

In late October 2022, the US Department of State released its FY 2023 Foreign Operations and Related Programs Congressional Budget Justification, including foreign military aid designated for Tunisia. The document notes Tunisia as a priority recipient of both military financing ($45 million, down from $85 million in the prior request) and military education and training ($2 million, down from $2.3 million in the prior request). Tunisia is also noted as a potential recipient of funding in other program areas, including Economic Assistance ($45 million, down from $85 million in the prior request), International Narcotics and Law Enforcement ($12 million, down from $22.8 million in the prior request), Non-Proliferation, Anti-Terrorism, and Demining Related Programs ($2 million, on par with the prior request).  The document also identifies Tunisia, alongside Afghanistan, as the MENA-region priorities for the National Endowment for Democracy, which receives federal funding to promote democratic institutions around the world.

Our Outlook:  

Most noteworthy from the US Department of State’s budget justification is the decline in funding for Tunisia in nearly every category. While most relationships and programs will remain in place, the decreases likely reflect the broader level of concern expressed by US diplomats and military leaders with Tunisia’s political situation. While the US remains committed to Tunisia as a counterterrorism partner, there appears to be a general cooling of relations as many Western governments wait to see how Kais Saied’s program for reform culminates in the December 2022 parliamentary elections.