Why does Morocco Worry about Kais Saied’s Coup in Tunisia?

The French newspaper Le Point saw that the "constitutional coup" carried out by Tunisian President Kais Saied dramatically increased Moroccans' concerns.

The Tunisian experience is so particular because it is the symbol of the Arab Spring. Its survival over the (post) Arab Spring brings hope to the many populations who reject authoritarian regimes in their region, from the Maghreb to the Mashriq. 

This is why the Arab streets like Algeria, Egypt, Sudan and also Morocco, among other countries, are carefully watching what is currently happening in Tunisia following the “constitutional coup” planned by Kais Saied on July 25, 2021.

On that day, the Tunisian president granted himself all the powers of the executive branch, froze parliament for 30 days, lifted the immunity of deputies and dissolved the government headed by Hicham Al-Mashishi.

On the basis of Article 80 of the Constitution, the President of the Republic, a retired constitutional law professor, considered that “the danger has overtaken us” sufficiently as stated in the article to take his decision aimed at “saving Tunisia, the state and the Tunisian people.”

The newspaper explains: "It must be said: The situation is dangerous and the crisis in Tunisia is complex on all levels, health, political, economic and social, and that the country is in a state of tension, similar to its geographical surroundings, where the terrorist threat is escalating"

A situation that Kais Saied did not want to explode under the pressure of the institutional stagnation that has persisted since his election in October 2019.

Perhaps the most striking example of the status quo is the blockage of the Constitutional Court, an essential body in parliamentary democracy. Incidentally, this situation provides a platform for individuals whose interests intersect with the citizens of neighboring countries, including Moroccans.

Moroccan Concerns

Moroccan Sami (28 years old) residing in Tunis, says : “I feel that I am Tunisian and what is happening in this country touches me to the core. Life has become more expensive year after year since the revolution, and corruption has occupied a larger area."

For him, "President Saied's decision was inevitable and necessary to stop all these heinous acts, including rampant corruption."

He indicated that this situation "is condemned by many Tunisians, far from rural families, whose situation will not change regardless of the situation in which the country encounters."

Certainly, in the latest Transparency International report issued in January 2021 and according to the ranking of countries for the year 2020 according to the Corruption Perception Index, Tunisia got five places.

The fact remains that because of the 69th position out of 180 in the Tunisian multi-crisis context, the slightest deviation from the democratic path will magnify the inequalities that plague the country of all kinds.

Indeed, Sami hopes "those who have caused so much harm to this country will be brought to justice" although he fears "this change will affect the gains in freedom of expression".

This leads him to wish that "these measures (taken by President Kais Saied) are temporary, with a clear and precise agenda for the coming months."

Karim, another young Moroccan from Rabat, takes an optimistic look at President Said's initiative. He believes that this change can restore confidence and order in the management of the country's affairs.

It is a view shared by Loubna, a young Moroccan activist who believes that "this change was necessary".

Echoing hopes, she said, "My Tunisian friends show a certain relief and salute the president's courage, but I hope that there will be a road map for this stage." "I hope the country's political situation will recover as quickly as possible," she added.

This is a view circulating in official circles in Morocco, where the authorities, from close diplomatic sources, are following with great interest the developments in the situation in Tunisia.

Should we be surprised? Not much, especially when we know the Kingdom's initiative to strengthen cooperation between the Maghreb countries.

Especially through the Arab Maghreb Union, which is unfortunately burdened by the multiple tensions between Morocco and Algeria, says the newspaper.

 

Strategic Country

That is why Le Point says: "We must listen to the words of King Mohammed VI in his speech on the evening of July 31, on the occasion of the twenty-second anniversary of his accession to the throne, at the head of the kingdom."

Mohammed VI declared that "in parallel with the development initiatives that are implemented at the internal level and with equal determination, Morocco is committed to continuing its sincere efforts to consolidate security and stability in its African and Euro-Mediterranean environment, especially in its Maghreb neighborhood."

The Moroccan monarch announced the renewal of his "sincere call for his brothers in Algeria to work together and without conditions to establish bilateral relations based on trust, dialogue and good neighborliness."

Addressing the Algerians, the king continued: "You will never be afraid of Morocco's wickedness. The security and stability of Algeria and the tranquility of its people are inextricably linked to the security and stability of the kingdom."

In other words, with such priority given to the question of peace and good understanding between the Maghreb's neighbors, the question of the situation in Tunisia, the symbolic country of the Arab Spring, cannot be absent from the political agenda.

It should be noted that the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) is Tunis.

Another evidence of Morocco's interest in what is happening in Tunisia is the visit of the Kingdom's Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, to President Kais Saied at the Carthage Palace on July 27, 2021.

According to MAP, he was merely "the bearer of a message from His Majesty King Mohammed VI regarding the relations of brotherhood and solidarity between the two brotherly Maghreb countries."

Le Point says: "Saied, who was elected president in October 2019 with 72.7 percent of the votes, and who was praised by the Tunisian public a few hours after announcing his decision to activate Article 80, should have fully appreciated such consideration that came from the Kingdom." 

In the end, a question arises: What will this special episode of political and institutional life offer to the only country that entered the midst of democracy at the end of the Arab Spring?

No one can give a truly convincing answer today, there are many factors involved but one thing is certain, which is that "whether they reside in Morocco or outside the borders of the kingdom, Moroccans are awaiting the outcome with great interest", says the newspaper.