(Washington, D.C., 3/3/2022) The Tunisian United Network (TUN) led a meeting between Tunisian Americans and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, on Wednesday to share concerns over the United States’ response to the backsliding of Tunisia into autocracy.
More than 25 Tunisian Americans and constituents met with Senator Murphy to thank him for his continued support of Tunisia’s nascent democracy and to respectfully request the Senator call on the Biden Administration to take a tougher stance toward Tunisian President Kais Saied. TUN and members of the Tunisian-American community support a U.S. response which conditions all U.S. economic and military assistance on demonstrative steps taken toward restoring democracy and demands the reopening of the legitimate parliament, the release of all political prisoners, an immediate halt to military tribunals of civilians, and a true and inclusive national dialogue.
After the meeting concluded, TUN’s President Mongi Dhaouadi stated:
“It was important for Tunisians in the United States to let our elected officials know our total rejection of Kais Saied’s coup and our concern over the weak and hesitant response of the Biden administration. We had a frank and honest discussion with Senator Murphy and we urged his continued support in the effort of saving democracy in Tunisia.”
In a statement released today, Senator Murphy said:
“It was great to meet virtually with the Tunisian-American community and hear directly from the diaspora about their concerns with President Saeid’s increasingly authoritarian posture. What’s happening in Tunisia right now is deeply troubling—especially because it was the one place where the Arab Spring stood as proof that democracy could succeed. The United States has both leverage and opportunity in front of us right now, and we must start signaling to President Saeid that U.S. dollars for his country are linked with democratic course correction.”
Contact: Mongi Dhaouadi | Email: [email protected] | Phone: (860) 514-8038