Tunisian Army Stays Neutral Amid Political Tensions
In a concise statement released on May 21, the Ministry of Defense reiterated the army’s neutrality and denounced attempts to involve it in political strife. Speculations arise about the army’s loyalty to the political power as the crisis weakens the state.
By Selim Jaziri
In a rare move, the Tunisian Ministry of Defense issued a statement on Thursday evening to underline the Tunisian army’s commitment to its “neutrality” and “independence” and to denounce “the increasing attempts to involve the military institution and its officials in controversies and tensions.” The language is cryptic, likely carefully chosen with veiled hints, amidst a deepening systemic crisis, fueling speculation.
A Preventive Message
As the legitimacy of Kaïs Saïed’s regime has been challenged since July 25, 2021, interpretations of the military’s political role vary in Tunis. Some believe the institution is keeping its distance from the government, while others claim active support. Some fear the army, while others have faith in its role. Amid the multidimensional crisis gripping the country, the military is seen as the “adult in the room” trusted to manage the president’s erratic behavior and conspiratorial worldview. Exiled opponents explicitly call on the military, along with the presidential guard and interior ministry forces, to neutralize the “coup plotter” Kaïs Saïed.
Multiple and Contradictory Interpretations
According to pro-Saïed media outlets, like the statements by Riadh Jrad, the president’s propagandist, the Defense Ministry’s statement is a direct response to these calls, possibly even to Moncef Marzouki’s comments. The text appears to address opposition attempts to involve the military in political endeavors. There is also speculation about a warning to certain officers attempting to meddle. However, the text does not directly challenge President Saïed, who wields direct authority over the Defense Minister, a former diplomat not from military ranks.
Ambivalent Participation in Power
How neutral is the army? One thing is clear: without its approval and active support, Kaïs Saïed couldn’t have consolidated power on July 25, 2021. The image of tanks blocking Parliament, showing military obedience to an unconstitutional order, remains a symbol of the army’s political transgression since the ousting of Habib Bourguiba in 1987. While the army has played a role in repressing uprisings, it has acted as a subordinate institution, not an active force defending the regime. Even in the 2011 revolution, it remained loyal to the end. Despite having some former military individuals in the government since July 25, this exposure is seen negatively by the hierarchy, indicating no intention of direct involvement.
Traditional Distance from Power
Traditionally, Tunisian military officials lack economic interests that would drive them to wield power directly, unlike their Algerian or Egyptian counterparts. The Defense Minister’s unsuccessful presidential bid in 2019, despite his military background, demonstrates the institution’s reluctance to back any political candidate overtly. Despite internal dissent about Saïed’s anti-Western stance, strategic alliances with the U.S. have been maintained, reinforcing the military’s focus on long-term security interests over political whims.
“America’s Children”
Since the 1960s, the Tunisian army has cultivated strong ties with the U.S., with American equipment, officer training at U.S. military academies, and increased integration into regional security frameworks since 2011. While the U.S. congress members advocated cutting aid post-2020 coup, the Pentagon reminded them of the army’s dependence on U.S. support. Despite Saïed’s attempts at independence, this strategic alliance remains unshaken.
Unanswered Questions
As long as the status quo allows both, the army will stay loyal and avoid entanglement in regime change. However, uncertainties remain about the army’s stance in times of crisis and societal unrest. The Defense Ministry’s statement on May 21 aims to address these concerns but leaves critical questions unanswered about the military’s limits and its role in ensuring Tunisian stability.
