Britain is a fairweather friend to Tunisia

The Arab Spring’s star pupil needs continued British support. But assistance is increasingly steered by fears of jihadism

The World Today
2 minute READ

Britain was one of the first western states to embrace Tunisia’s transition but now it is falling behind as an international partner.

With the second round of presidential elections completed and a new government taking shape, Tunisians are close to completing their post-Arab Spring political transition four years after the removal of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

With a new constitution in place, transitional governments are now giving way to a fully elected one, ready to face the challenges of reviving the economy and tackling security threats.

Britain stood alongside the Tunisians at the beginning of this venture. William Hague was the first European foreign secretary to visit Tunis after the expulsion of Ben Ali, donating £5 million in solidarity.

Subscribe to read all issues

Articles from the current issue are free to read by all, the archive is exclusive to magazine subscribers and our members. Subscribe or become a member to view articles from the archive.