Returning jihadis raise Tunisians' anxiety

Subject

Foreign fighters' impact on security.

Significance

Between 3,000-6,000 Tunisians have left to fight alongside jihadist organisations abroad since 2011, many of them in the neighbouring Libya. The possibility of their return has caused domestic anxiety and tension, triggering protests and controversy.

Impacts

• The government will likely seek to tighten security, especially in the border areas.
• However, excessive force and human rights violations could radicalise the local populations.
• Public expenditure in the security sector will increase, as well as defence contracts with foreign countries.