The Tunisian government has extended the nationwide state of emergency (SoE) for an additional month, prolonging the sweeping security measures that have been in place since 2015.
A decree signed by President Kais Saied, published in the Journal of the Republic of Tunisia, confirmed the state of emergency will remain in effect until January 30, 2025. The extension reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to address national security concerns amidst evolving threats.
Under Tunisia’s emergency law, the government has been granted extensive powers, including the authority to conduct house arrests, impose curfews, ban public gatherings, and monitor and censor media outlets. These measures, which bypass judicial oversight, have sparked debate over the balance between national security and civil liberties.
The state of emergency was initially declared on November 24, 2015, following a deadly terrorist attack on a bus carrying presidential guards, which killed 12 officers. The attack prompted the government to take extraordinary steps to secure the country and protect its institutions.
Earlier this year, the government extended the state of emergency through the end of 2024. With this latest extension, Tunisia’s emergency powers will now be in place for nearly a decade, as authorities continue to grapple with the long-term implications of regional instability and domestic security challenges.