70 years of Tunisian diplomacy: a legacy of excellence and continuity

Tunisia celebrates this Saturday National Diplomacy Day, marking the 70th anniversary of the creation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by beylical decree on May 3, 1956. This founding date recalls the early willingness of the independent Tunisian state to establish a structured diplomatic instrument capable of voicing its opinion in a world then marked by Cold War logic and decolonization dynamics.

The first to hold this position was Habib Bourguiba, from April 15, 1956 to July 29, 1957, before handing over to Sadok Mokaddem. This initial combination illustrates the strategic importance given to diplomacy in the early years of independence.

Since then, Tunisian diplomacy has been built through generations of political leaders and diplomats who have, to varying degrees, shaped the country’s image. While some leaders of the department have been significant, others have faded over time.

Among the influential figures, Mongi Slim remains a pioneer. He embodied the beginnings of an ambitious diplomacy, notably becoming in 1961 the first African to preside over the United Nations General Assembly, after representing Tunisia on the Security Council (1959-1960). His journey has firmly established Tunisia in influential circles of multilateral diplomacy.

His successor, Habib Bourguiba Jr (1964-1970), consolidated this direction by developing a diplomacy of balance, while Mohamed Masmoudi (1970-1974) enhanced Tunisia’s regional and Arab engagement. Habib Chatti (1980-1984) and Beji Caid Essebsi (1981-1986) each, in their own way, contributed to adapting Tunisian diplomacy to regional changes.

The record for longevity is held by Habib Ben Yahia, who held the position twice (February 1991 – January 1997 and November 1999 – November 2004), ensuring continuity and stability in foreign policy. In contrast, the shortest term remains that of Ahmed Ounaies, from January 27, 2011 to February 21, 2011, in a particularly sensitive political transition context.

In total, Tunisia has had 34 Foreign Ministers (excluding Habib Bourguiba), 13 of whom have served since January 14, 2011 until May 3, 2026, spread across six presidencies:

Under the presidency of Habib Bourguiba: – Sadok Mokaddem (1957-1962) – Mongi Slim (1962-1964) – Habib Bourguiba Jr (1964-1970) – Mohamed Masmoudi (1970-1974) – Habib Chatti (1974-1977) – Mohamed Fitouri (1977-1980) – Hassen Belkhodja (1980-1981) – Beji Caid Essebsi (1981-1986) – Hedi Mabrouk (1986-1987)

Under the presidency of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali: – Mahmoud Mestiri (1987-1988) – Abdelhamid Escheikh (1988-1990) – Ismael Khelil (1990) – Habib Boularès (1990-1991) – Habib Ben Yahia (1991-1997) – Abderrahim Zouari (1997) – Saad Ben Mustapha (1997-1999) – Habib Ben Yahia (1999-2004) – Abdelbaki Hermassi (2004-2005) – Abdelwahab Abdallah (2005-2010) – Kamel Morjane (2010-2011)

Under the presidency of Foued Mebazaa: – Ahmed Ounaies (2011) – Mouldi Kefi (2011)

Under the presidency of Moncef Marzouki: – Rafik Abdessalem (2011-2013) – Othman Jerandi (2013-2014) – Mongi Hamdi (2014-2015)

Under the presidency of Beji Caid Essebsi: – Taieb Baccouche (2015-2016) – Khemaies Jhinaoui (2016-2019)

Under the presidency of Kaïs Saïed: – Sabri Bachtobji (October 29, 2019 – February 27, 2020, interim) – Noureddine Erray (2020) – Selma Ennaifer (2020, interim) – Othman Jerandi (2020-2023) – Nabil Ammar (2023-2024) – Mohamed Ali Nafti (since 2024)

Beyond the officials, Tunisia has been distinguished by the presence of its nationals at the head of regional and international organizations. Chedli Klibi led the League of Arab States, Habib Chatti the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, while Chedly Ayari chaired the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa.

In the cultural field, Tunisians have led the Arab Organization for Education, Culture, and Sciences, such as Mongi Bousnina and Aziz Ben Achour. In the audiovisual sector, the Union of Arab States Broadcasting has been led by Tunisians like Slah Maouia, Abdelhafidh Hergam, and Abderraouf El Basti.

These trajectories illustrate a constant reality: Tunisian diplomacy is not limited to its ministers. It is also expressed through a network of skills that have managed to impose themselves in demanding multilateral environments, contributing to the influence of a country whose impact often surpasses its geographic or economic weight.

Like any institution, it has experienced periods of glory and others more subdued. But the essence remains: a rooted, respected, and increasingly called-for diplomatic tradition, now more than ever, to renew itself in the face of the challenges of a changing world.

Brahim OUESLATI