France and Political Asylum for Tunisian Opponents

France and Political Asylum for Tunisian Opponents: Strategic Move or Political Pressure?

A Sudden Shift in French Asylum Policy

After years of inaction, the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra) has begun processing asylum requests from opponents of Kaïs Saïed’s regime. This shift raises questions about its timing and implications within a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

Prominent Tunisian Figures Granted Asylum in France

According to a report published by Africa Intelligence on December 24, 2024, several political and judicial figures opposing the Tunisian government have been granted asylum in France, including:

• Béchir Chebbi: A former MP from the dissolved parliament and a member of the Ennahdha movement, accused of terrorism and collusion with former Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem.
• Abderrazak Kilani: A prominent lawyer who organized opposition meetings in Paris, facing charges of disturbing public order and defying authorities.
• Mabrouk Korchid: Former Minister of State Property, who left Tunisia after being accused of lifting the asset freeze on businessman Marouane Mabrouk.
• Ibrahim Belghith: A lawyer who filed a lawsuit against the Tunisian state before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights over controversial presidential decrees.
• Adel Dadaa: A businessman close to the Ennahdha movement, awaiting a final decision on his asylum request.

A Political Context Marked by Regional Power Shifts

These developments occur amid significant political shifts in Tunisia and Egypt since the 2011 uprisings. After initially gaining power, Islamist movements were later ousted in what their supporters describe as “political coups.” Today, France appears to be redefining its approach to Sunni Islamist movements as part of a broader strategy to counter Iranian influence and emerging Eastern alliances.

Growing Tensions Between Paris and Tunis

Franco-Tunisian relations have been strained, particularly after the October 2024 arrest of French researcher Victor Dupont, who was later released following intervention by President Emmanuel Macron. This incident further deepened the rift between the two nations, with France repeatedly criticizing Kaïs Saïed’s policies on freedoms and human rights.

Is France Redrawing the Political Landscape in North Africa?

These decisions suggest a French attempt to reshape regional politics amid rising international tensions. This move could signal deeper transformations not only in Tunisia but also in Egypt, where Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s regime faces both internal and external challenges.

What Future for the Tunisian Opposition in Exile?

By granting asylum to key opposition figures, France could become a major political refuge for Kaïs Saïed’s critics. This could increase international pressure on his regime. The key question remains: Is this the start of a broader European political escalation against the Tunisian government, or merely a temporary strategic move in the global balance of power?

Massin Kevin Labidi