This weekend marks the first anniversary of the self-immolation of Mohammed Bouazizi, which triggered the momentous events in Tunisia and across the region now known as the Arab Spring. It has been an unforgettable year for Tunisians and for all of us living and working here.
It is humbling to think back on how events developed in the days following 17 December 2010. First there was an outpouring of anger in Sidi Bouzid, then courageous demonstrations in other towns in the Tunisian heartland by those who refused to accept the regime’s brutal suppression of protests. Then people in cities across the country came out in solidarity, demanding change. A regime which had previously looked unshakable crumbled in less than a month. Its inflexibility had made it brittle. Tunisians could not engineer change by evolution. That left only revolution.
A year later, Tunisia is a different country. In the past, free expression was constrained, decisions were made by a small clique, and the government felt no accountability to the public. Now the cafes buzz with debate, a coalition of three parties is taking up the reins of government with a democratic mandate, and the country’s leaders will be accountable to voters at the next elections. In the meantime, the building blocks of democracy – a free media, active civil society and energetic political opposition – all have essential roles to play.
With opportunity and change comes also uncertainty. The coming year will be no less challenging than the last. Debate will continue on questions relating to Tunisia’s identity and the role of Islam. On these issues, and importantly on the rights of women, the new leaders will need to build consensus, consolidate democratic values and reassure those who fear their rights will be diminished. At the same time there are urgent practical challenges, especially unemployment and disparities of wealth between regions. And the new government will need to reform the justice system, root out corruption and consolidate security while protecting human rights.
The UK will continue to accompany Tunisia on its journey. We will develop further programmes to build the capacity of civil society and the media and to help address the economic challenges. We will seek to ensure the G8 and the International Financial Institutions in which we are shareholders provide sustained support. And we will work to help deliver an upgrade in the EU’s relationship with Tunisia in a way which has real and lasting impact.