Tunisia: Finding its way since the Arab Spring

Tunisia and four other North African countries (Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, and Morocco) comprise what’s called the Maghreb — an area defined by the Sahara Desert to the south and the Atlas Mountains to the north. The Arab Maghreb Union, created in February 1989, hoped to foster political and economic unity there, much like the European Union. Yet no such unity has yet overcome political differences. 

Some know Tunisia best for its ancient history — including as the birthplace of Tertullian (about 150 AD), one of the great early church fathers from North Africa. He’s credited with coining the Latin term Trinitas (or Trinity). 

Others recognize Tunisia’s tourist appeal. Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused a plunge in tourism dollars, things are turning around. Indeed, the country ranks first in North Africa for tourists per resident and one of the top-five most visited countries on the continent. Indeed, travelers can appreciate:  

• a unique blend of Arab and Berber cultures and influence 
• Tunisia’s long coastline full of beach destinations along the Mediterranean  
• the ancient city of Carthage — where Tertullian lived and now designated one of seven cultural UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country 
• tours of Star Wars movie locations (representing Luke Skywalker’s home planet, Tatooine) 
• delicious couscous dishes and recognition as the world’s third-largest olive oil exporter 

Tunisia stands out most in recent memory, however, as the launching pad for the 2011 uprisings known as the Arab Spring.  

After a 26-year-old Tunisian man set himself on fire in protest of government corruption, similar protests spread like wildfire across North Africa and the Middle East. In the end, the violence led to rulers being deposed in Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and Yemen.  

Still, more than a decade later, “the initial burst of optimism has retreated into staunch pessimism due, in large part, to the incredible economic pain brought on by austerity and exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic,” according to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.  

And Christians pay added attention to factors beyond economics and politics, because the country is ranked by Open Doors with a “very high” level of persecution of Christians. 

A full 99 percent of the country is Muslim, and most Christian believers come from a Muslim background. Although the constitution guarantees freedom of belief and religious practice, some Christian converts report extreme hostility from Muslims both inside and outside their family. Thus, many hide their Christian faith and worship in isolation.  

Please pray: 

• For protection balanced with boldness as Christians in Tunisia live as a witness to Jesus’ power and love. 
• For the rise of mature believers who can bring others out of isolation and build faith communities. 
• For Muslims who are seeking, that they find our programs and that God’s Spirit opens their hearts to the truth.  

With your support, AMM’s ministries are working to touch lives in Tunisia. Click here to learn how you can help us share the gospel there — bringing spiritual freedom to this country that’s making strides toward more and more political freedom and economic growth.  

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Sources: “Maghreb,” New World Encyclopedia; “Introduction to Historical Theology: Tertullian of Carthage,” Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; “Trinity” by Peter van Inwagen and Dan Howard-Snyder, 1998, Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy; “The ‘Noddy’ Guide to Tertullian, tertullian.org; “Tunisia: Sliding deep into the dark,” Allianz; “Tourism in Tunisia,” WorldData.info; “Top Ten Most Visited Countries in Africa, 2022” by Steady Dzinduwa, April 24, 2022, The African Exponent; “An Olive Oil Revolution Is Quietly Brewing in Tunisia” by Lindsey Tramuta, April 13, 2023, Afar; “After Ten Years of Progress, How Far Has Tunisia Really Come?” by Sarah Yerkes and Nesrine Mbarek, January 14, 2021, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; “Tunisia,” Open Doors; “Tunisia,” updated May 10, 2023, The World Factbook; “2021 Report on International Religious Freedoms: Tunisia,” June 2, 2022, U.S. Department of State.