Tunisia’s jihadi fighters may test ties with Europe

Subject

The government's response to returning foreign fighters.

Significance

The government is grappling with the problem of returning extremist nationals from foreign battlefields as well as Tunisians imprisoned at home and abroad. The status of illegal Tunisian migrants and asylum seekers in Europe has also generated tension, most strongly with Germany.

Impacts

• Pressure from European governments to repatriate Tunisian citizens will further burden state resources and law enforcement efforts.
• Prosecuting individuals based on a broad definition of terrorism could further alienate and radicalise young Tunisians.
• Tunisia’s failure to address the problem of radicalisation in prisons may create a new generation of jihadi-salafist leaders.