Summary:

On 15 August 2022, a letter was made public that expressed frustration on behalf of Tunisia’s security forces union with the leadership of the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), including Minister Taoufik Charfeddine, as well as President Kais Saied. The letter expressed frustration with the perceived politicization of the security forces and the dismissal of officers for alleged political reasons. The letter expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Minister and implied that protests against his leadership could be forthcoming.

Outlook:  

Concerns from the security forces about their politicization and about the effectiveness of their leadership could signal cracks in Kais Saied’s intragovernmental support. The loyalty of the country’s security forces is a key component of any enduring ruler and this latest expression of dissatisfaction could be a warning that Kais Saied’s methods are isolating some of his key allies and governmental tools.